Sport Ireland invites applications from National Governing Bodies of Sport under the Sports Energy Support Scheme
Sport Ireland has today opened the application process for €35 million of funding in response to the rising energy costs crisis.
The purpose of the funding, which was secured as part of Budget 2023, is to support National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and their affiliated Clubs with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport throughout the winter period.
Commenting on the opening of the application process, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said: “These funds will help keep playing pitches alight, indoor facilities heated and reduce rising energy costs during the winter months ahead. Sports clubs and National Governing bodies form the backbone of many communities across Ireland and this Government is steadfast in our support for these organisations. For this reason, we are rolling out the Energy Support Scheme which we are confident will be of enormous help to those who access it.”
Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers TD, added: “This Government is committed to a healthy, vibrant sports sector as we all know the many benefits that involvement in sport and physical activity bring to individuals and communities. Grassroots clubs as well as National Governing Bodies are key components of the sports sector and I am very pleased to be able to support them through the Energy Support Scheme. This will help to ensure clubs and communities can keep their floodlights on, sports halls heated and cover a range of energy related costs over the colder, darker winter months.”
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD said: “This Government recognises the immense value of sport to communities all across Ireland and is committed to assisting the sport sector in the current difficult environment of high inflation. The Energy Support Scheme, underpinned by €35 million in funding provided in the Budget, is a timely and effective means of ensuring funding gets to local clubs. We are pleased to be able to provide this support to the National Governing Bodies and their members as the appropriate vehicle to distribute this vital funding support.”
CEO of Sport Ireland Una May said: “We are delighted to announce details of this Energy Support Scheme aimed at supporting our National Governing Bodies and their clubs at a time of need and, along with various support schemes announced and rolled out during the recent Covid-19 pandemic, it shows the commitment of the Government to supporting a robust sports sector. I would like to thank Ministers Martin and Chambers for their assistance in getting this scheme implemented and we would also like to extend our thanks to Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath.”
Funding guidelines have been disseminated to all Sport Ireland funded NGBs. The closing date for applications from these organisations will be Friday, November 25th 2022.
Clubs affiliated to Sport Ireland Funded NGBs should engage directly with their relevant NGB with any queries they may have in relation to the Scheme.
Depending on the level of submissions, the outcome of those deliberations will be communicated to NGBs in December. NGBs will begin the disbursement of this funding to their relevant clubs, affiliate organisations from January 2023 onwards.
Sport Ireland will retain a portion of the overall funding to address any anomalies or unknown need that may arise in NGBs in the New Year, or in relation to community sports facilities (e.g. swimming pools, community facilities not specifically affiliated to NGBs) which do not qualify for TBESS or other support schemes through DRCD or the Local Authorities. Further enquiries in this regard should be made directly to ngb@sportireland.ie
