The Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport and Sport Ireland have announced the Government will invest €31.3m in core funding for the sport sector, including National Governing Bodies for Sport, the network of Local Sports Partnerships, and other funded bodies for 2025.
This is the highest ever level of Core investment. It has increased by over €1.6m since 2024 and €13.5m over the lifecycle of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.
This represents a 76% increase over seven years, with Core investment funding the day-to-day running of NGBs, the network of LSPs and other funded bodies.
This year €18.3m is being invested in NGBs, with Swimming Activators supporting the first-ever National Swimming Strategy, and a Disability in Sport Lead being appointed, as well as a new dedicated events investment policy for the hosting of smaller scale international sporting events in 2026.
Almost €12m has been invested in the network of 29 LSPs, with a significant increase to the Women in Sport allocation delivering initiatives for women in disadvantaged communities, older women and teenage girls, and those with a disability or from ethnic minorities.
Speaking during the announcement at the Sport Ireland Campus the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said: “The 2025 Core investment reflects the Government’s commitment to the National Governing Bodies for Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and recognition of their integral role at the heart of Irish sport.
The increased funding is closely aligned with the delivery of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, and the National Physical Activity Plan, and will be crucial as we work with Sport Ireland towards increasing participation across the population.
The introduction of a multi-annual approach to core funding allocations from 2026 will enhance the operational efficiency and planning capability of our sports organisations, by allowing strategic funding decisions to be made every three years.”
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, said: “The work of our NGBs and LSPs in delivering against broader government objectives reflects the importance of sport in society. Crucially, this investment will enhance high-performing, volunteer-led NGBs in 2025.
It will support development efforts to strengthen their capacity, sustainability, and long-term growth. As well as further expanding the work of the LSPs as they enhance communities’ ability – especially disadvantaged communities – to take part in sport and physical activity.
I welcome the increased focus and resources devoted addressing disability inclusion in sport. This will significantly help in meeting our targets for increased participation among those with a long-term illness or disability.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “We are delighted by this investment from the Government. A record level of investment this year and throughout the life cycle of the National Sports Policy demonstrates the Government’s sustained and shared commitment to achieving this within the development of a strong sport sector.
“When investing, Sport Ireland takes into account the national significance of each sport, quality of programmes and operations, levels of participation, membership, volunteerism and social capital. We also want to see a diverse range of sports available to the Irish public.”
Sport Ireland Chairperson John Foley said: “On behalf of the Sport Ireland board I would like to welcome this increased Government investment in Core funding. We have great confidence in the NGBs and LSPs delivering across the country and we will continue to provide strategic and operational leadership entering the latter stages of the National Sports Policy.”
Further Reading for Sport for Business members: Sport’s 32 Items in the Programme for Government 2025-2029
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
The money is good, the promise of it becoming multi-annual based from later this year and the engagement of the Ministers were very strong positives from the afternoon at the Sport Ireland Campus. Plenty more to come on this.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
We will have more detailed analysis of the core funding on Sport for Business tomorrow as well as more from the two Ministers on their first few weeks in office.
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