Applications are being invited for funding under the new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The fund will be open for applications until April 2019 and a minimum of €100m is being provided. The new fund will initially focus on the requirements and development plans of National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities.

Minister Ross said “2018 has been a phenomenal year for Irish sport and we are determined to provide the necessary investment to ensure this success continues. The establishment of the LSSIF confirms the commitment expressed in the National Development Plan and the National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027 to increase investment in sporting facilities across the state. This fund offers tremendous possibilities to develop high quality sports facilities and I have no doubt there will be a huge level of interest across all sports and all regions.”

Minister Griffin said: “This is another important day for Irish sport. Decisions to provide Government funding for large sports projects were previously made on an ad-hoc basis and there wasn’t any mechanism to apply for funding. This new fund represents a transparent and competitive process whereby all sports organisations and local authorities can apply. Apart from the obvious health and social benefits, the projects that are ultimately awarded grants under this new fund will also provide a significant economic benefit to their respective areas.”

The main features of the scheme are as follows:-

•    The scheme is initially open to applications from National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Authorities (LAs).
•    The scheme will consist of two streams: -

i.    Stream One, which is aimed at smaller NGBs and Local Authorities, will help fund the development of proposals to tender stage. 
ii.    Stream Two will assist applicants to bring projects from tender stage to completion.

•    The scheme will require a minimum contribution of 30% from applicants toward the cost of any works/design.
•    The scheme encourages multi-functional sports facilities that will serve more than one sport. Sharing between sports, NGBs and LAs is encouraged and such projects will be viewed more favourably.
•    The existing Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme is closed for new applications and any proposed funding for swimming pools will be considered under the LSSIF

The new fund is separate and distinct from the Department’s long-running Sports Capital Programme (SCP). The SCP is focused on smaller capital projects where the maximum grant is €150,000 for local projects.

The full terms and conditions of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund are available here