The Department with Responsibility for Sport followed the Department of Health into the Government Building Press Centre today. While it would be nice for the smallest percentage of that massive budget going towards fixing us when we go wrong to be diverted towards making it less likely that we will, that is a longer-term argument than the details of an annual budget allocation.

We exist in a world where there are multiple competing demands on public expenditure, and there is no doubt that in the bigger headline numbers, sport has done very well in this year’s funding and under this government.

Minister of State Thomas Byrne was entitled to be proud that the Sport funding for 2025, at €230.68 million, was more than double that of 2018, when the country’s first-ever National Sports Policy was published.

That had a stated aim of doubling the money by 2027 and to get there two years ahead of schedule is indeed a reflection of the importance and the support that sport gets from the public purse, and those who control it.

With so much of the budget leaked in advance and such a large sum available to distribute, expectations were perhaps for even more.

A number of sporting body CEOs we spoke to this morning expressed unease about the fact that the Core Funding element was only up by €1.3 million to €30 million across all National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships.

This is the money that pays the wages of those delivering the programmes in the new facilities. It’s the money that keep the lights on and the enthusiasm flowing for a nation that is getting used to sporting success at an elite level and greater opportunity for participation among those who may never get to an Olympics or an All Ireland Final.

It’s the less sexy side of a spending announcement but sport like everything is a complex system where gaps in one area can undermine the high spots in another.

The Minister and Department officials worked closely with sport to attain the record level of funding. There may be some work needed next year though to tidy up the area of delivery.

Positive news of changes to the tax treatment of donations and philanthropy have been flagged but are only in the early stages of working out the detail.

Similarly, Ireland Active’s push toward including a tax credit for exercise and swimming expenses to earn a tax credit did not get fully over the line but were in the budget speeches, which is an important and often irrevocable step towards meing made real.

They will be additional wins.

The other win elements were covered by Minister Byrne in his address to media announcing the details.

“Following a terrific summer of sport when so many of us were captivated by the performance of Team Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are already planning ahead for the LA Games in 2028. I am very glad to announce a €1.2 million increase in annual funding for our high-performance programme which builds on the record funding provided for the Paris Games as we continue to ramp up our support for our high performance athletes.”

“As a Government, we want to ensure that having a disability presents no obstacle to participating in sport and physical activity. In working to achieve this aim, the Government is providing a new and dedicated ‘Disability in Sport’ funding stream to Sport Ireland, with €1 million being allocated. In addition, I expect Sport Ireland to soon advertise for a new ‘Disability in Sport Lead’, who will develop and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport. I hope that this step change in funding and personnel will act as a catalyst for making our sporting community more inclusive.”

“Our National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships do tremendous work across the sporting community, when it comes to increasing participation opportunities for all, and in developing our athletes. In order to support that valuable work, I can confirm that an additional €1.3 million in core funding is being provided by Government to support our National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships.”

“The National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown is home to a diversity of sports and sport facilities and I can confirm that additional funds are being allocated under Budget 2025 to the campus for its maintenance and further development. We will also soon publish a new Sports Action Plan and funding will also be provided to support the realisation of its action points.”

“Last week, we announced the largest-ever investment in sporting facilities under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, and I expect to see allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund announced in the coming weeks. This Government is committed to the success of Irish sport; from record investment in our sport facilities, to supporting the ambition of our high performance athletes like never before and fundamentally, to ensuring everyone enjoys the right to participate in sport and physical activity.”

The big picture is good, then, with some additional work needed around the ability to deliver the full benefit.

That’s not a 100 percent vote from the world of sports administration, but it is always better to come from a higher base, and that is where we are after today.

We will carry more reactions from the sports sector over the next 24 hours.

 

 

 

Sport for Business, in partnership with Allianz, will hold the 2024 Sport for Business Sport for Social Good Conference on Thursday, October 24th. This is one of ten events currently planned for the remainder of 2024.

Register your interest to attend a Sport for Business event here.

 

The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies. 

Find out more about joining us today.