Full List of 2024 Sports Capital Grant Recipients
Download the Full List of Awarded Sports Capital Grants Recipients
The Irish Government has announced the largest-ever Sports Capital Grant allocation for sports facilities under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly known as the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme). In a historic move, €230 million has been allocated to support the development and improvement of sports clubs and facilities across Ireland. This brings the total investment in 2024 to an unprecedented €256 million, following the €26 million in sports equipment funding announced earlier this year.
Record Investment in Community Sports Facilities
At a press event held at Cambridge FC in Ringsend, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D., detailed the record-breaking allocation. The funding will support 1,996 sports clubs and facilities across 40 different sports, ensuring that local and regional clubs have access to enhanced sports infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Minister Martin said: “Sport is vital to our sense of togetherness and community... these grants will create new opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sports.” This announcement underscores the Government's commitment to supporting sport at all levels, from grassroots clubs to high-performance athletes.
Breakdown of the €230 Million Allocation
The Community Sport Facilities Fund is structured into three categories to support clubs at different levels:
- Equipment Applications: €3.79 million allocated to 127 equipment-only projects.
- Local Projects: Typically, these are sports clubs seeking up to €200,000. A total of €179 million has been distributed to 1,708 clubs under this category.
- Regional Projects: Larger projects, such as GAA county training centres and synthetic tracks, received €47.5 million across 161 projects. Grants of up to €500,000 were available for these major developments.
You can view the full list of approved grants on the Government of Ireland website.
Key Beneficiaries: GAA, Soccer and Rugby Clubs
GAA: Leading the Allocation
The GAA emerged as the largest beneficiary, receiving nearly €97 million from the fund. This allocation will help improve local GAA club facilities, build county training centres and enhance community-level GAA pitches across the country.
Soccer Clubs: Grassroots and League of Ireland Teams
Soccer clubs have been allocated over €41 million, benefiting both League of Ireland teams and grassroots soccer facilities. This funding will help improve stadiums and synthetic soccer pitches, providing players with better training environments.
Rugby Clubs: Growing Participation
Irish rugby clubs have been granted €10 million, supporting facility upgrades and the installation of new all-weather pitches. This funding will enhance both professional and amateur rugby facilities across Ireland.
Other sports also benefitted, with golf clubs receiving €11.4 million, tennis facilities allocated €6.5 million and athletics projects receiving €4 million.
Sustainability at the Forefront
The Community Sport Facilities Fund not only focuses on sports development but also prioritises sustainability. Over 194 clubs have received funding to install solar panels and 317 clubs have secured grants for LED floodlights. These upgrades are crucial for lowering the environmental impact of sports facilities and reducing operating costs.
Moreover, 966 projects will receive funding for pitch improvements, including the installation of all-weather synthetic surfaces that will extend the usability of facilities throughout the year. These initiatives ensure that Irish clubs are modern, environmentally sustainable and accessible to all.
A Government Committed to Grassroots Sports
Minister Byrne emphasised the importance of supporting grassroots sports, stating: “This level of investment in sports clubs and facilities under the Community Sport Facilities Fund is unprecedented... ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to modern sports infrastructure.”
The focus on grassroots sport funding is part of a broader Government strategy to increase participation in sports, especially in disadvantaged communities and underrepresented groups. The Sports Capital Programme continues to prioritise investment in these areas, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can participate in sport and recreation.
More to Come: €120 Million for Large-Scale Infrastructure
In addition to the €230 million already allocated, a further €120 million will be distributed in October under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This fund will support larger projects, such as national sports centres, stadiums and high-performance training facilities.
Minister Donohoe reaffirmed the Government's commitment to sport at all levels, highlighting the impact of these investments on the performance of Irish athletes and the overall sporting landscape in Ireland.
Was Your Club Funded?
Did your club receive funding in this historic round of allocations? To find out, view the full list of grants on the official Government website.
If your club was not successful this time, there may be opportunities to appeal or apply for the next round of funding. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements and prepare early to ensure your application stands out.
A Transformative Year for Irish Sport
The €230 million Sports Capital Grant represents a monumental investment in the future of Irish sport. By supporting both local sports clubs and regional sports centres, the Government is ensuring that every community in Ireland has access to high-quality sports facilities. Whether through pitch improvements, sustainable upgrades, or the development of synthetic sports surfaces, this funding will help shape the future of Irish sport for generations to come.
For more information on the Community Sport Facilities Fund and to learn how your club can apply for future funding, visit the Community Sport Facilities Fund.