The Government has announced a €4 million investment in the Women in Sport (WIS) Programme for 2025, matching the record funding allocated last year and more than doubling the amount awarded in 2022.
The funding marks a significant milestone as the programme celebrates 20 years of ring-fenced investment in women’s sport in Ireland.
The announcement was made by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., and Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue T.D., at the Sport Ireland Campus today.
They were joined by Women in Sport leads and CEOs from more than 40 sports across the system.
The investment will support initiatives aimed at increasing participation and leadership opportunities for women and girls in sports at all levels.
Minister O’Donovan said the Government remains firmly committed to closing the gender participation gap in sport by 2027.
“This investment will enable more women and girls to be involved in sport across all levels, from grassroots to high performance,” he said.
“It will support sporting organisations in putting the right programmes in place to increase women’s participation and help us reach this ambitious goal.”
Minister McConalogue highlighted the wider impact of the programme beyond participation.
“The Women in Sport Programme has been a key enabler in the decline of the gender participation gap in recent years,” he said.
“It is vital that women’s involvement in sport is not confined to participation, and the funding announced today will support initiatives in areas including coaching, officiating and leadership.”
Over €30 million has now been invested through the WIS Programme since its inception in 2005.
For 2025, €3.05 million of the total €4 million will be distributed to 50 organisations. This includes €1.88 million to 44 National Governing Bodies, €1.1 million ring-fenced for large field sport organisations, to be announced later, and €70,000 for special collaborative projects led by six NGBs.
The remaining €950,000 will be strategically allocated to national initiatives, including the Her Moves campaign, media internships, leadership programmes, and research into gender representation in sports media. Small-scale grants will also support grassroots initiatives, such as Her Outdoors Week and Women in Sport Week.
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said the continued evolution of the WIS Policy reflects a long-standing and shared commitment to gender equality in sport.
“By empowering women and girls to participate, lead, and excel at every level, we are building a more inclusive and dynamic sporting culture across Ireland.”
Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport Lead, Nora Stapleton, added that the targeted investment is already creating real momentum.
“We’ve seen how it opens doors, shifts mindsets, and inspires confidence. While we’ve made great progress, this funding is vital in addressing the remaining gaps and seizing new opportunities.”
Michelle Tanner, Chairperson of the Women in Sport Committee, said the policy has helped to break down barriers not just on the field, but in boardrooms and leadership roles.
“It’s not just about playing sport, it’s about being part of the decision-making and shaping the future of sport in Ireland.”
The Women in Sport Programme continues to focus on four key target areas: coaching and officiating, active participation, leadership and governance, and visibility.
Michelle Tanner will be our guest on the Sport for Business podcast with our interview dropping tomorrow morning.
Sportsfile’s finest Sam Barnes leapt high above the crowd (with the help of a ladder) to capture the full breadth of today’s announcement.
From the Sport for Business Podcast archive
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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
The participation gap is narrowing at younger age groups, and in leadership positions at the top of sporting organisations. The job is far from done though and coaching remains a particular challenge
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