Sport Ireland announces investment of over €26m to governing bodies and local sports partnerships

Sport Ireland has announced an investment of over €26m to national governing bodies for sport and to the network of local sports partnerships for 2023.

This year sees a €1m (6%) increase in allocation to the national governing bodies on the 2022 figure, with total core funding of €16m.

This increased investment provides Sport Ireland with an opportunity to support the majority of governing bodies with a cost-of-living increase for 2023 along with continued targeted investment in a number of specific areas.

The rising costs of sports administration is also acknowledged by Sport Ireland, with NGBs having been provided with additional funding to absorb this expenditure.

Four governing bodies – Special Olympics Ireland (€1.5m), Athletics Ireland (€1.15m), Swim Ireland (€1.1m) and Horse Sport Ireland (€1m) – will receive €1m or more in funding.

Investment into the Local Sports Partnerships has maintained the same level of support for 2023, with a total investment of €10,365,000 being allocated across the 29 Local Sport Partnerships.

Human resourcing in the Local Sports Partnerships has been prioritised, with additional funding for the resourcing of Local Sports Partnership Development Officers and Sport Inclusion Disability Officers to assist with the ongoing vital work being undertaken across the country.

Age & Opportunity will receive €620,000 for their "Go for Life" programme, while Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland will receive €140,000 for Disability Awareness and Disability Inclusion programmes.

The Federation of Irish Sport and Student Sport Ireland will receive €125,000 and €70,000 respectively.

Sport Ireland chief executive Una May said of today's announcement: "The core grant funding will enable Sport Ireland to further support