Funding represents significant increase on 2018
€12.84 million for core activity of 58 National Governing Bodies
€7.29 million to support work of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
€8.46 million to support High Performance programmes
€1.93 million in direct athlete investment
Sport Ireland today announced an investment of
nearly €32 million in National Governing Bodies for Sport, direct athlete
support and the Local Sports Partnership Network for 2019.
The funding announced, which represents a
significant increase on 2018, includes an investment of €12.845 million in the
core activity of National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs), €8.46m in NGB High
Performance Programmes, €820,000 in high performance funding for the Olympic
Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland, and €7.29 million in the work of
the Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).
Sport Ireland also announced €500,000 in targeted
funding for projects, to assist with the preparation for key events in 2019,
along with a further €1.93 million for the International Carding Scheme.
Speaking ahead of the announcement at the Sport
Ireland National Indoor Arena today, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport,
Shane Ross TD, said: “The National Sports Policy 2018-2027 published by my
Department last July puts a strong emphasis on increasing participation in
sport and physical activity by all members of society, regardless of age or
circumstance. The significant increase in funding announced today will assist the
excellent work of our National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships
in delivering programmes and initiatives on the ground to get more people
active on a regular basis. Their work is making a substantial contribution to
the health and welfare of individuals, communities and the nation.”
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan
Griffin TD, added: “The funding announced today will assist in furthering
Ireland’s ambitions at the highest level on the international stage as we head
into a critical period for high performance sport. 2018 was an exceptional year
for Irish teams and athletes and we look forward to that success continuing
into 2019 with Olympic and Paralympic qualification on the horizon for many
athletes. In particular, the move to a two-year model for the International
Carding scheme is to be welcomed as we look to give our top athletes the best
possible opportunity to realise their potential on the international stage.”
2018 marked an exceptional year for Irish sport at
an international level, with Irish athletes and teams winning 77 medals at
major competition throughout the year. At home, National Governing Bodies and
Local Sports Partnerships saw sustained participation and engagement with
programmes, with many new innovative initiatives rolled-out nationwide.
Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey, commented:
“2018 was a landmark year for Irish sport. At a strategic level, the
publication of the new National Sports Policy was a key milestone for the
sports sector. On the international stage we saw sustained success from our
high performance teams and athletes, while the NGBs and LSPs are continuing to
support strong participation in sport among people of all ages. Through a
substantial budget increase for 2019, the Government has responded very
positively to the case made by Sport Ireland and the Irish sporting community
with a broad commitment to sport and physical activity. It is vital that
our NGBs and LSPs are well supported and the increase in funding this year means
that our funded bodies will be well equipped to deliver on their objectives as
we look towards next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games and increasing
participation in sport across the board.”
The International Carding Scheme has increased from
€1.9 million in 2018 to €1.934 million in 2019. For 2019 and 2020 the
International Carding Scheme will be awarded as a two year Scheme. This means
that athletes who are awarded Carding in 2019 will be funded until December
2020, subject to terms and conditions.
Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy, added: “Sport
Ireland is delighted to be in a position to provide the majority of performing
National Governing Bodies for Sport and Local Sports Partnerships with an
increase in investment in 2019. A significant development this year is the move
to a two-year model for the International Athlete Carding Scheme. This new
approach will remove pressures associated with carding criteria and allow
athletes to fully focus on Tokyo 2020 qualification and performance. High Performance
Programme funding provided to NGBs in 2019 will stand for the funding round in
2020. This commitment from Sport Ireland is provided to well-governed NGBs that
are tracking to deliver their targets in Tokyo 2020.”
Mr Treacy continued: “At a local level, the
increased investment in the Sports Inclusion Disability Programme means that
all 29 Local Sports Partnerships will have a Sports Inclusion Disability
Officer (SIDO) in 2019. The SIDOs will provide valuable support and facilitate
an increase in opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical
activity. We look forward to another positive year for Irish sport in 2019.”
The full breakdown of funding can be viewed here.
