Before this week’s Budget, High Performance Funding from Government, through Sport Ireland to National Governing Bodies, sat at €24m.

There will be an additional payment of €2m to sporting organisations in core funding to aid and assist NGBs in “carrying out their valuable work”.

The Department also earmarked €2.3m to Sport Ireland to progress its National Sports Policy and to support programmes which assist disabled and disadvantaged sports participants.

The overall budget announced for sport in 2024 now stands at €183.337m.

Minister Catherine Martin said the €2m additional funding for women’s sport represented a significant increase in investment.

“The doubling of funding for women’s sport (on top of funding to support access for disadvantaged children to summer colleges) are particular highlights this year among an array of funding and measures that will strengthen and support the sectors of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media into the future,” said the Minister.

Minister-of-State for Sport Thomas Byrne described the Budget as a “step change in funding for Women in Sport programme. 

“In what has been a wonderful year for women’s sport, the increased funding of €2m for women in sport is reflective of the Government’s commitment to ensure that we continue to provide increased opportunities for female participation in sport at all levels,” said Minister Byrne.

“2024 is an Olympic year and I am announcing a €1m increase in funding for our high-performance programme, as we look to support our athletes on the road to Paris, and continue to develop the coaching and pathways support envisaged in our National High Performance Strategy.

“In recognition of the increasing pressures that our sporting organisations are under, I am announcing €2m in additional core funding to support them in carrying out their valuable work.

“Additional funds will also be provided to Sport Ireland to progress the National Sports Policy and to support programmes which assist those with a disability and the most disadvantaged in our society to actively participate in sport.” 

In its press submission, the Department outlined the core funding areas to benefit from the Department of Finance’s Budget 2024, but was short on detail, particularly in areas where unspecified amounts were announced.

It said: “The Department’s Sports and Recreation programme aims to contribute to a healthier and more active society by promoting sports participation and by supporting high performance and the provision of sports facilities.” 

 This, it said, will be achieved through:

• Increased funding for elite high-performance athletes ahead of the Summer Games in Paris in 2024 

• A doubling of funding for Women in Sport, representing a major step forward in women’s representation in sport at all levels 

• A €2m increase in core funding for sporting bodies 

 • Continued investment in Major Sports Events and support for projects such as the Ryder Cup 2027, the College Football Classic and UEFA Euro 2028.

The overall budget announced for sport in 2024 is €183.337m.