Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I can tell the Deputy that with every athlete I met and spoke to, the issue of investment came up, whether investment in facilities or in themselves and their organisations. I was happy to tell the Government's story on that.

The achievements and performances of Team Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris inspired pride and joy. We want a new generation of participants and high performers and world-class athletes. I agree with the Deputy that investing in grassroots facilities is a critical starting point. The sports capital and equipment programme, which we will rename the community and sports facilities fund, is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreational facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment.

In May 2024, the Minister, Deputy Martin, and I announced over €26 million in equipment grants under the community sports facilities fund. The grants have been provisionally allocated to organisations across the country representing more than 50 sports and activities. In particular, we made a special effort with the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association to ensure their members and clubs would apply in large numbers.

In May, my colleague the Minister, Deputy Martin, and I confirmed that at least a quarter of a billion euro will be made available for capital projects under this round of the community sports facilities fund. This represents the largest ever investment in grassroots sports facilities nationwide.

This is a record allocation. It is breaking new ground and is on the foot of positive engagement with the Department of public expenditure and the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. The funding represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in 2022 under the previous round and it should mean a positive allocation decisions for every single valid application under the programme. The assessment of the funding applications is now at an advanced stage and I expect, with the Minister, Deputy Martin, to make allocations soon.

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