Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
57. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if additional supports will be made available to support sporting organisations recovering from the impact of Covid-19. [47579/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland engages with sporting organisations on an ongoing basis and continues to support the sector in its recovery and development post-pandemic.
Significant Government funding of over €162 million was provided in the last two years to help sports organisations to recover and grow post-pandemic, support our grassroots networks of clubs and local sports partnerships, and ensure that people of all ages and abilities return to sport and physical activity.
Covid-19 is continuing to impact on the sport sector and the levels of active and social participation in sport have not yet returned to pre-Covid levels. In recognition of the ongoing challenges, funding is being made available again this year to support the sector.
Sport Ireland has been engaging with the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and is inviting applications under a grant funding scheme to support the sector in addressing challenges specifically associated with the pandemic. Sport Ireland is communicating directly with NGBs at present regarding the application process and the terms and conditions of the scheme. Similar to previous Covid-19 funding schemes, any funding will be allocated through the NGBs.
As the Deputy will be aware, a current funding allocation of €89.4 million has been announced for Sport Ireland in Budget 2023. This allocation will enable Sport Ireland to continue to support this valued sector next year.
