Speech from Minister McConalogue for Budget Press Conference

Go raibh maith agat, a Aire, agus fáilte romhaibh go léir.

This Government remains committed to supporting our sporting ecosystem so more people can participate in the many benefits of sport, and fulfil their potential, from grassroots right up to high performance level. In this regard, Government has invested well over €1 billion in sports infrastructure and development in Ireland since 2018. The return on investment in terms of community participation, inclusion, integration, and physical and mental wellbeing is, I believe, substantial. The allocation for next year will reinforce this trend.

The allocation for the Sports Programme in Budget 2026 is over €290 million, marking an increase of just under €60 million or 26%. We have clearly exceeded the National Sports Policy commitment to double Government funding in sport by 2027, compared to 2018 levels.

The allocation to Sport Ireland now stands just under €154 million, marking an increase of €38.2 million or 33%. There is a significant increase in capital funding to enable the development of the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus at Blanchardstown. This project will bring many benefits, not least to our track cyclists who currently have to travel to access such a facility for training.

The increased current funding provision for Sport Ireland will also support a number of initiatives, including League of Ireland football academies, investment in a grassroots golf participation programme, as well as additional funding for the IRFU, the GAA and the GPA.

Within these measures there is a 5.5% increase in funding to high-performance sport, which will bring it to €28.5 million, and which will mean that we will more than deliver on our commitment to reach €30 million per annum before the 2028 LA Olympics.

There is €10.77 million in extra current funding for Sport Ireland, and this will provide for:

• increased core funding for national governing bodies of sport and local sports partnerships of €2 million,
• enhanced core funding of €250,000 for both the IRFU and the GAA;
• an additional €1.5 million to support high-performance programmes;
• support of €3 million for League of Ireland football academies;
• funding of just under €750,000 to support the growth of hurling;
• an additional €1.6 million to support inter-county gaelic games players;
• funding of just under €500,000 to support the building of high-performance pathways for female rugby players;
• an investment of €500,000 in a grassroots golf participation programme as part of the legacy programme flowing from major golf events like the Ryder Cup 2027; and
• an additional €500,000 to support Sport Ireland’s work with sports legacy programmes and events.

There is €58 million allocated to the Community Sport Facilities Fund in 2026. This will support approved projects coming on stream under existing rounds of the Fund and I also intend to open applications for a new round of the CSFF in 2026. The exact details of the timing of this will be confirmed at a later date.

The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund has almost doubled in funding to a total allocation of €38 million for 2026 and this will facilitate the further drawdown under the 2024 round of applications, when a total of €173 million was announced for 35 projects.

There has been a significant increase in Major Spors Events funding, which will be over €22 million in 2026. Much of this will be directed towards our commitments for the hosting of the Ryder Cup in 2027 and the Euros in 2028. Following from the first government policy and strategy framework for the hosting of Major International Sporting Events in 2024, this continued investment will also help me to assess potential events such as the possible co-hosting of the 2030 T20 Cricket World Cup with the UK and a future hosting of the Open Golf Championships.

In relation to Postal Policy, Government recognises the special role that An Post and the post office network play in our lives. As I’ve stated before, An Post is central to providing invaluable support for some of the most vulnerable in our society through the provision of social welfare payments, free postage to care homes, community focal points, and many other valuable services. I also recognise that there are challenges regarding the network, including uncertainty regarding global trade and the continuing decline in mail volumes and growth of digitalisation.

I will bring proposals to Government to enhance support for the Post Office network. To this end, the allocation provided for the Department has increased from €10 million in 2025 to €15 million for 2026. A new scheme will be required to disperse this funding. However, I am confident that funding will be in place next year which will offer significant assistance to aid the sustainability and enhance the value the network brings to local communities.

Mar a fheiceann sibh, tá an-dul chun cinn déanta agus is cúis mhór áthais dom deis a fháil labhairt libh inniu faoin dul chun cinn sin.

Go raibh maith agaibh.