- Wicklow Local Sports Partnership
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Wicklow County Council win at LAMA National Awards
February 26, 2025
The Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture & Sport and Sport Ireland have announced the Government will invest €31.3m in the sport sector including National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs), the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), and other funded bodies for 2025.
This is the highest ever level of Core investment. It has increased by over €1.6m since 2024 and €13.5m over the lifecycle of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027.
This represents a 76% increase over seven years, with Core investment funding the day-to-day running of NGBs, the network of LSPs and other funded bodies.
This year €18.3m is being invested in NGBs, with Swimming Activators supporting the first-ever National Swimming Strategy, and a Disability in Sport Lead being appointed, as well as a new dedicated events investment policy for the hosting of smaller scale international sporting events in 2026.
Almost €12m has been invested in the network of 29 LSPs, with a significant increase to the Women in Sport allocation delivering initiatives for women in disadvantaged communities, older women and teenage girls, and those with a disability or from ethnic minorities.
Speaking during the announcement at the Sport Ireland Campus the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said: “The 2025 Core investment reflects the Government’s commitment to the National Governing Bodies for Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and recognition of their integral role at the heart of Irish sport.
The increased funding is closely aligned with the delivery of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, and the National Physical Activity Plan, and will be crucial as we work with Sport Ireland towards increasing participation across the population.
The introduction of a multi-annual approach to core funding allocations from 2026 will enhance the operational efficiency and planning capability of our sports organisations, by allowing strategic funding decisions to be made every three years.”
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, said: “The work of our NGBs and LSPs in delivering against broader government objectives reflects the importance of sport in society. Crucially, this investment will enhance high-performing, volunteer-led NGBs in 2025.
It will support development efforts to strengthen their capacity, sustainability, and long-term growth. As well as further expanding the work of the LSPs as they enhance communities’ ability – especially disadvantaged communities – to take part in sport and physical activity.
I welcome the increased focus and resources devoted addressing disability inclusion in sport. This will significantly help in meeting our targets for increased participation among those with a long-term illness or disability.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “We are delighted by this investment from the Government. A record level of investment this year and throughout the life cycle of the National Sports Policy demonstrates the Government’s sustained and shared commitment to achieving this within the development of a strong sport sector.
“When investing, Sport Ireland takes into account the national significance of each sport, quality of programmes and operations, levels of participation, membership, volunteerism and social capital. We also want to see a diverse range of sports available to the Irish public.”
Sport Ireland Chairperson John Foley said: “On behalf of the Sport Ireland board I would like to welcome this increased Government investment in Core funding. We have great confidence in the NGBs and LSPs delivering across the country and we will continue to provide strategic and operational leadership entering the latter stages of the National Sports Policy.”
NOTES
*Multi-annual funding
The implementation of a multi-annual approach to Core funding allocations will be introduced in 2026, subject to budget availability and ongoing adherence by the sporting bodies to the prevailing governance requirements.
NGBs and LSPs
National Governing Bodies (NGBs) co-ordinate the development of a particular sport or sports through constituent clubs and deliver Sport Ireland’s strategic objectives and wider Government policy. The Gaelic Athletic Association, Football Association of Ireland, and Irish Rugby Football Union, receive separate field sport investment and are not included in this announcement.
Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) co-ordinate and promote the development of sport and physical activity in their local communities with a specific focus on ensuring that inclusive opportunities are provided to everyone, aiming to increase participation levels across society.
Other funded bodies
Sport Ireland also invests in a number of other representative and specialist bodies to support the development of sport and physical activity opportunities across Ireland and to increase the capability and capacity of the wider sport sector.
Gender Balance on Boards
Ensuring that 40% gender representation on the boards of national sports organisations is both achieved and maintained, 50% of State funding (excluding Women in Sport funding) is withheld until such a time as gender representation is achieved. The percentage of women on boards now stands at 48% overall.