The Revised Estimates for 2021 recognise the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the sectors under the aegis of my Department as well as the impact of BREXIT and the commitments contained in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future. However, there is no specific categorisation of funding allocations within programme areas other than by subhead.
A total of €104.5 million was allocated to Sport Ireland in the Revised Estimates for 2021 compared to €68.5 million in the 2020 REV. Of the additional €36 million allocated in 2021, €26.3 million relates to current expenditure and €9.7 million relates to capital expenditure.
The additional current expenditure allocation of €26.3 million was provided to support the sport sector in 2021, including measures such as:
- Increased funding for high performance sport to ensure our athletes are supported to achieve their potential at the postponed Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games;
- Increased core grant funding for our sporting bodies to support them in meeting challenges from Covid-19;
- Increased funding for Sport Ireland participation programmes including the innovative online programmes which proved so successful in 2020; and
- Meeting commitments of €5.4 million to the Football Association of Ireland under the MOU agreed in January 2020, i.e. an additional €2.9m for football development and €2.5446m for payment of the Aviva Stadium licence fee.
To date, Sport Ireland has drawn down €42 million of its 2021 current expenditure allocation of €91.91m and I anticipate that the full allocation will be spent by year end.
In relation to capital expenditure, €12.6 million has been allocated for 2021 for the development of the Sport Ireland Campus. To date €0.475 million has been drawn down by Sport Ireland. The amount that will be spent this year is subject to the progress of capital projects at the Campus, which will become clearer in the coming months.
In relation to further Covid-19 funding for 2021, Minister Martin and I have committed to supporting the sport sector again this year in meeting the challenges arising from Covid-19. Sport Ireland is in ongoing communication with the NGBs and is assessing the financial needs of the sector. In addition, I am engaging with NGBs with regard to the supports required.
In regard to allocation in 2022 and any carryover, this will form part of the Budget 2022 discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
