Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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395. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport the funding schemes that are currently available, or are planned for the future, to support local sports clubs; if he will provide details of eligibility criteria and application processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29396/26]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.

In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years. My department is aiming to announce the opening of applications in the first half of this year.

The Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations and this provides valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round. New guidelines will be published in advance of the opening of the next round which will include eligibility and likely assessment criteria for the next round. My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guide and carrying out a wide-reaching communications and engagement campaign.

In addition, Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. It also has responsibility for the allocation of funding across its various programmes. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for additional direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.