Minister for Sport Catherine Martin and Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne, revealed that 1,996 grants will be provided for new and upgraded sports facilities and equipment nationwide.

This record-breaking allocation marks the largest-ever investment in community sports infrastructure in Ireland.

Ms. Martin and Mr. Byrne, alongside Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe, made the announcement at Cambridge FC in Ringsend, Dublin.

More than 40 different sports, as well as multi-sport facilities across the country, will benefit from the grants, which were announced on Wednesday.

Each application was evaluated based on factors such as population density, deprivation, and access to existing facilities. Applicants whose proposals were deemed invalid have the option to appeal.

At the Ringsend event, Ms. Martin highlighted the significance of sport for fostering community spirit, saying, “Sport is essential to our sense of unity, from local clubs to elite teams and athletes. Every one of these grants supports a project that offers people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to engage in sport at their best level.”

She emphasized how the funding will enhance local clubs, noting that 194 clubs will install solar panels, 317 will receive LED floodlight funding, and 966 projects will involve pitch improvements.

Ms. Martin added that these “crucial upgrades” will complement equipment funding announced earlier this year, ensuring more people have access to sports they enjoy in their local areas.

Mr. Byrne underscored the scale of the investment, saying: “Over a quarter of a billion euros is being invested in sports clubs and facilities under the Community Sport Facilities Fund. This unprecedented level of funding will transform sports infrastructure in communities across Ireland.”

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to making sport accessible for people of all ages and abilities, citing the record funding as a testament to that pledge.

Byrne also reflected on the recent success of Team Ireland at the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, noting how “the positive power of sport starts within the community.”

Mr. Donohoe added: “Our government is dedicated to supporting sport at every level, from grassroots and community facilities to high-performance athletes on the world stage. Sport enhances our lives, whether we’re spectators, beginners, or excelling in our fields. The mental and physical benefits are invaluable.”

He concluded by emphasizing that the investment will ensure athletes have quality facilities to train and compete, reinforcing the government’s ongoing support for Irish sport.