Federation of Irish Sport Launches Pre-Budget Submission for Budget 2025
Double Olympic gold medallist Fintan McCarthy joined our partners, Federation of Ireland Sport, along with National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships from across Ireland in urgently calling for greater investment in Irish sport in Budget 2025. McCarthy was the special guest of the Federation of Irish Sport at the launch of its Pre-Budget Submission for Budget 2025, an event attended by elected representatives of Dáil Éireann, Senators, and members of the Federation, which represents 81 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).
The Federation has put forward three key “Asks” of the government, with the primary request being for a multi-annual increase in core funding for NGBs and LSPs. Core funding is the heart sporting bodies in Ireland, enabling the creation of programmes and pathways that identify, nurture, and support the sporting heroes of tomorrow. Additional calls for taxation reform and an increase in the betting levy comprise the two other key Asks.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, emphasised the significance of this funding: “Our overall ask in relation to the upcoming budget is for government to increase funding for the core activities which build the base of sport and physical activity in Ireland. We realise that there is much to be financed across many areas in relation to Budget2025, we would however respectfully suggest that additional funding for sport might be found through the proposed changes to taxation under Action 3.7 and an increase in the betting levy for Sport.”
Since the launch of the National Sports Policy in 2018, significant progress has been made in high performance and sports capital funding. However, core funding for NGBs and LSPs, which is critical for the long-term development of grassroots sport, has lagged behind/not matched/has been eroded by inflation and rising costs. This funding is essential for building programmes, retaining key personnel, and attracting quality coaches and staff.
By adopting a multi-annual funding model, the Federation argues, the government would provide the certainty needed to plan strategically and deliver meaningful long-term outcomes. “Core funding is used not only to maintain the foundation of these organisations but to strengthen it,” O’Connor added. “All sport in this country starts with the NGBs and LSPs. They build the programmes and nurture the participants who go on to perform at the highest levels on the world stage.”
Mary O’Connor further highlighted the potential of taxation reform: “As we have mentioned previously in our submissions, we believe that changes could be made in existing legislation to the benefit of sport. We also believe that a 1% rise in the betting tax could produce up to €40 million, which could beneficially invest in sport and in programmes aimed at tackling the problems of gambling addiction.”
About the Federation of Irish Sport
The Federation of Irish Sport was established in April 2002 by Ireland’s national sporting organisations to provide leadership, coordination, and advocacy on key issues, representing their interests to the government and relevant agencies. Now in its 21st year, the Federation represents over 110 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), representing more than 13,000 sports clubs across Ireland.
The Federation’s mission is to empower its members to maximise the impact of sport, recreation, and physical activity for the benefit of society. Sport is not only essential for Ireland’s health and wellbeing but also contributes significantly to the economy, education, tourism, and the nation’s global reputation.
For media inquiries, please contact: Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial & Marketing, Federation of Irish Sport clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie, mobile: 0860437887, website: www.irishsport.ie.
