The new programme for Government has been published and sets out a roadmap on what the coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and a group of independent TD’s aim to achieve in the next five years.
It will be a crucial time for Ireland in general but also for sport and our corner of the way in which we live as a society is well catered for across 32 points which can be measured and checked against delivery.
They cover participation and performance, funding, education and governance and are published in full for you below.
The preamble reads positively for sport as well saying that “Sport holds a special place in Irish life and society promoting health and wellbeing, encouraging community participation and instilling a sense of pride in our people.”
It adds that “We are committed to supporting our sporting ecosystem so more people can participate, reap the benefits of sport, and fulfil their potential – from grassroots right up to high performance level.
Increase Participation
This Government will:
• Promote at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children of all abilities.
• Maintain sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels including people with disabilities and older people.
• Work with the GAA, the IRFU, the FAI and all sporting organisations to drive increased participation in sport.
• Continue to support participation in all sports from grassroots to elite level.
• Consider measures, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, to encourage gym membership and active participation in sport and exercise.
• Implement the New National Swimming Strategy by investing in pools and swimming facilities allowing everyone an opportunity to swim.
• Appoint a Sport Ireland Disability Lead.
• Promote volunteerism and improve the vetting process for people involved in sport.
• Expand support for para-sports and special needs programmes by providing grants to clubs that demonstrate inclusive policies and facilities.
• Work with all sporting organisations to promote a ‘one club’ ethos, encompassing male and female participants and promoting equality of access to sporting facilities.
• Expand cross-border sport opportunities.
Education
This Government will:
• Prioritise the development of physical education halls and sporting facilities (including yards and play areas) for
schools in conjunction with the Sports Capital Fund to deliver for both schools and communities.
• Increase the number of schools offering PE as a Leaving Certificate exam subject.
• Expand the Active School Flag Initiative and equip schools with resources to better promote physical activity and health.
• Mandate the Local Sports Partnerships to collaborate with schools to promote inter-school competitions, sports festivals, and collaboration with parents, local sports clubs, and national sporting organisations to create a dynamic, inclusive approach to physical activity.
Increase Funding for Sport
This Government will:
• Continue to support the funding of sports capital projects, and assess the distribution of funding to maximise participation in all sports at community and national level.
• Examine the role of philanthropy in providing additional funds.
• Conduct a nationwide audit of sports facilities to address shortages in areas underserved including towns with
populations over 1,500.
• Support local authorities in the acquisition of new lands for parks and playing pitches to help build liveable
communities.
• Mandate local authorities to develop an amenity plan with the developers of all new major housing developments.
• Allow approved sports bodies to create long-term Strategic Development Funds for capital investment in facilities, removing the requirement that the proceeds of donations (and associated tax relief) be tied to a specific approved capital project.
• Extend charitable status to National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships on an opt-in/opt-out basis.
High Performance
This Government will:
• Complete the development of the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown.
• Work to better connect the National Sports Campus with public transport.
• Proceed with the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre, as well as the new National Cricket Stadium.
• Explore new mechanisms for the creation of football academies with the FAI and the League of Ireland.
• Provide dedicated funding to support and train high-performance coaches and implement the Sport Ireland High Performance Strategy to support the Olympians and Paralympians of the future.
• Promote an all-island approach to hosting major international sporting events, building on the Major International Events policy, including supporting the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup, Euro 2028, the T20 Cricket World Cup 2030, the Open Championships and bidding for major competitions.
• Strengthen efforts to seek business and philanthropic funding for high performance sport to complement state funding.
Governance
This Government will:
• Mandate all national governing bodies and sports organisations to adhere to international best practices in
governance, transparency, and anti corruption measures.
• Develop a long-term strategy to close the gap on gender inequality when it comes to funding, representation, remuneration, media coverage, sponsorship and participation at grassroots and elite levels.
• Consult with athletes, referees and officials to devise the best way to protect against abuse and misconduct, ensuring all sporting environments are safe and respectful. This should lead to better governance and codes of conduct
at club level.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
The Programme for Government published five years ago listed 16 ways in which sport would feature on the agenda. In that sense we have doubled in importance which is a good thing. It is also good that there is a checklist on what has been promised, in a mix of aspirational and specific, that can be checked internally and by external observers like Sport for Business and the Federation of Irish Sport over the next five years. Finally we would raise the one omission that there is no specific reference to a renewal of the National Sport Policy which has been promised and doubtless is already under review but which would have been good to see in print.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Government parties are now seeking approval from their memberships and the new Government and a new Minister will be elected and named next week.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Sport Ireland and over 30 National Governing Bodies of Sport are full members of the Sport for Business community.
ALL TICKETS FOR THE SPORTING YEAR AHEAD ARE NOW SOLD OUT
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
