Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
153. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 25 of 5 October 2021, the amount of additional funding mentioned that is specifically being provided to clubs and organisations to ensure young persons return to sport post-Covid-19. [49697/21]
View answerOn 5th October, Minister Martin and I were delighted to announce that additional current funding of up to €65 million will be available to support the sport sector this year. Allied to the additional current expenditure of €26.3 million already provided to Sport Ireland, a total of €91.3 million will have been allocated in additional current funding to support the sport sector in 2021.
This package is intended to support National Governing Bodies of Sport and sports clubs arising from the significant impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the sports sector, by providing specific funding support for the following sectors:
- Field Sport funding to support the main field sports, i.e. the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU;
- A Resilience Fund to support the other National Governing Bodies of Sport;
- A Sports Club Resilience Fund to support clubs from all sports;
- A Swimming Pools/Facilities Fund;
- A Resumption of Sport & Physical Activity Fund.
The funding will be invested through new grant schemes developed by Sport Ireland.
Following the announcement, Sport Ireland has invited applications for funding from National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded bodies with the aim of distributing the funding this year.
This additional funding will support organisations and clubs in bringing people, including young people, back to sporting activity as quickly as possible.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for further information in relation to the amount of funding to be allocated to clubs and organisations. Please inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
