€173 million allocated to Major Sports Projects

• Minister Catherine Martin and Minister Thomas Byrne announce €173 million in grants for 35 projects across Ireland under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
• Record allocation under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund follows record funding announced under the Community Sport Facilities Fund
• New “use it or lose it” funding rule to ensure the most effective spend and new requirement to ensure similar access for women and men to all  sports facilities
• Remaining valid LSSIF applications to be placed on Reserve List for funding as additional LSSIF funding becomes available.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D., announced today (4 November 2024) the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020.

The total amount of grants awarded is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now reaches €297 million. A comprehensive list of the successful applications is included here.

The current allocation of €173 million follows earlier announcements this year, which included €26 million for sports equipment and €230 million under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, bringing the total investment in sports capital and recreation for 2024 to €429 million.

All applications submitted under the LSSIF Fund were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or a Local Authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. It was informed by factors such as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.

A number of sporting disciplines will benefit under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, including football; Gaelic games; athletics; basketball; rugby; hockey; swimming and water-based sports; cricket; golf; and cycling. 

In parallel, though outside of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, funding towards the design costs will be allocated to swimming pool projects in Buncrana and Mullingar, to assist the projects.  This has been done given the strategic importance of developing swimming pool infrastructure, in line with the recently-published National Swimming Strategy.

Projects allocated LSSIF funding will now proceed to further evaluation and due diligence processes, which will vary in extent and nature based on the size and specifics of each project.

A new “use it or lose it” clause has been introduced which will ensure that if there has been no drawdown of any part of a grant within 2-3 years (timelines may vary from project to project), or before a new LSSIF round is announced, the grant offer will be deemed withdrawn.

In relation to the LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, the Department will publish a reserve list in the coming period on which all valid applications will be placed and assessed. When additional LSSIF funding becomes available, it is envisaged that projects on the reserve list can then be funded.

Speaking at the announcement today, Minister Martin said:

“The advantages of engaging in sports, regardless of age, are profound both mentally and physically. To meet our ambitious goals of increasing participation in sports, it is essential to have facilities like these. 

The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund plays a crucial role in our strategy to enhance physical activity and well-being among the population. By investing in these significant projects, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or ability, has access to high-quality sports facilities. This funding will help to create a legacy of sporting excellence in Ireland, inspiring future generations to engage in physical activity and pursue their sporting ambitions.

Through this unprecedented investment, the government is establishing a foundation for a more promising future in sports and recreation, emphasising accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement. 

The journey towards building a more active and healthier nation continues, and these projects will play a crucial role in achieving that vision. The standard of facilities has also improved greatly through Government investment in recent years and I have no doubt that these facilities will inspire more people to participate in sport in the future. I look forward to see this funding in action”.

Speaking at the announcement today, Minister Byrne said:

“This funding underscores our commitment as a Government to seeing sport prosper in communities across Ireland. The major sports projects funded under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund encompass a wide variety of sports and activities, reflecting the varied sporting interests of communities nationwide. From multi-sport complexes to specialised facilities for individual sports, these investments aim to cater to the needs of athletes, clubs, and local communities. 

The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund emphasises the significance of collaboration among government entities, local authorities, and national governing bodies in enhancing sports infrastructure. Through cooperative efforts, these organisations can ensure that funding is allocated to projects that will most effectively promote sports participation and community development. 

Inclusivity in sports is paramount and thanks to the implementation of the new Similar Access Requirement, we have ensured that women and men will enjoy similar access to all sports facilities, which are publicly funded.

As a government, we are dedicated to offering opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in sport. The record investment in sport facilities announced this year under both the Community Sport Facilities Fund and Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund illustrates our ongoing commitment. I am confident that these projects will create new and enhanced opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sports to the fullest extent”.

In welcoming the announcement, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., said:

“The funding announced today under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to investing in our sports facilities. Sport enriches our lives and provides immeasurable benefits to community life. I greatly look forward to seeing the major sports projects supported under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund coming to fruition for the benefit of communities across Ireland.”

ENDS.

Image Caption: Stephen Coughlan and Astrid MaGee of Bohemian Football Club pass a football back and forth in front of Minister Emer Higgins, Minister Catherine Martin and Minister Thomas Byrne at Dalymount Park.