The Federation of Irish Sport held a high-level briefing at Leinster House on Wednesday, 28 May, issuing a clear and urgent call for structural and financial reform to support the future of sport in Ireland.

Hosted by Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn, the event drew strong attendance from elected public representatives and their advisors.

The briefing focused on outlining the mounting challenges facing the sector including rising compliance costs, inflation-driven funding gaps, and the need to professionalise and retain a skilled workforce.

The Federation used the opportunity to present a set of practical policy recommendations, all aimed at ensuring that sport continues to deliver for the Irish public—economically, socially, and in terms of public health.

While the Government’s 4% funding increase in Budget 2025 was acknowledged as a welcome step, the Federation stressed that it falls short of addressing the full impact of inflation and increasing demands on governance and compliance.

CEO Mary O’Connor welcomed the Government’s move toward multi-annual funding from 2026 but cautioned that without sustained growth in core investment, sports organisations will continue to face uncertainty and limitations on strategic planning.

“To reach the 60% participation target set out in the National Sports Policy, we need decisive and sustained action from Government,” said O’Connor. “Annual increases in core funding must reflect inflation and the real costs of delivering sport.”

A central theme of the briefing was the urgent need to support the people who keep Irish sport moving. The Federation called for:

A national pay framework to bring consistency and fairness across the sector, and a Sports Volunteer Exemption Scheme, modelled on the existing Artists Exemption Scheme, to recognise and reward grassroots commitment.

O’Connor emphasised that Irish sport increasingly depends on a professional workforce, and failing to invest in that talent pool risks stalling progress on participation and performance.

The Federation also renewed its call for the introduction of a 1% betting levy, mirroring European models in countries such as France and Portugal, to directly fund grassroots sport development.

With the current 2% levy generating €103 million in 2023, the proposed new levy could deliver an additional €50 million annually, earmarked specifically for participation and community sport.

“This is not just about elite athletes,” said O’Connor. “It’s about giving every child, every adult, in every community the opportunity to participate in sport.”

Several key leaders from Irish sport joined the Federation in addressing the room and supporting the need for reform, including:

Sarah Keane, CEO of Swimming Ireland; Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland; Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland; and Stephen McNamara, CEO of Paralympics Ireland

They expressed gratitude to Senator Ní Chuilinn for hosting and to all those in attendance.

The event marks an important step in deepening the relationship between the sports sector and Government, as Ireland looks toward the next phase of its national sports strategy.

“We are ready to work in partnership,” said O’Connor, “but we need investment, recognition, and the right structures to meet the potential of sport as a national asset.”

 

The Latest Sport for Business Podcast

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

Check out more of our Sport for Business coverage of Government

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

In a busy world it is vital to keep making the point of the importance of sport to those who govern.  It’s a message that resonates and sport has never been in a better place but like any activity, once you think that everything is great, it stops getting better.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Pre-budget submissions will be landing earlier this year and we will have full coverage of what the sector is saying and how it is pressing its case.

Express Your Interest in a Sport for Business Event Here

 

MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS

The Federation of Irish Sport, the Department of Arts, Media, Culture, Communications and Sport, The Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, Swim Ireland and Athletics Ireland are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community, which includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.  

Find out more about becoming a member today.

 

Get the full benefit of a Sport for Business membership by joining us at one of our upcoming events, where sporting and business leadership come together.

Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.

Sign up for our News Bulletins here.