Press release
€6 million in funding for National Governing Bodies of Sport announced
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Almost €6 million in Dormant Accounts Funding is to be awarded to National Governing Bodies of Sport in 2024, as announced today (20 December 2024) by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne.
This is the second round of Dormant Accounts Funding allocated to sport by the government this year, following an earlier investment package of €5.1 million allocated for Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin said:
“The announcement of the Dormant Accounts Fund allocation will allow our sporting bodies to continue to carry out valuable work in communities across Ireland, supporting those experiencing disadvantage or with disabilities, and helping to increase participation in sport and physical activity.”
Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne said:
“In reflecting on 2024, I believe that we can view it as a year of triumph for Irish sport. We have seen record medals won at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, new record times set by our high performance athletes, and record funding delivered by the government for our sports facilities. However, our ambition must not end there. In looking ahead to 2025, it is imperative that we continue to support the valuable work undertaken by our National Governing Bodies of Sport, especially when it comes to making sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone. This significant investment in our National Governing Bodies is all about bridging gaps, ensuring everyone can lead active, healthier lives regardless of their background.”
The Dormant Accounts Fund allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability. Sport Ireland has a strong track record in Dormant Accounts Fund delivery since 2015.
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said:
“We are very happy to announce this investment package of €5.97 million as part of our continuing commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports and physical activities across Ireland.”
The areas of focus for Dormant Account Funding 2024 include NGB equality, diversity & inclusion, and volunteer supports.
There is a focus on disability sports funding under three schemes - Disability Capital Support, Disability Programmes, and Disability Training & Education Fund – to a total of €2.23 million.
These schemes have been put in place to initiate, advance or accelerate local disability initiatives to support the Sport Ireland Policy on Participation in Sport for People with Disabilities, National Sports Policy and National Physical Activity Plan.
Recognising the invaluable contributions of volunteers in Irish sport, funding is allocated to provide volunteer supports aligned with the key actions of the Volunteering in Sport Policy.
Funding will be allocated to projects that empower volunteers, including youth leadership training, coaching and development programmes and targeted training for volunteers who are from or who work in disadvantaged areas and/or with people with disabilities.
This funding is also delivering key objectives from the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan for 2024, which was adopted by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
| 2024 NGB Dormant Accounts Fund Scheme | Recommended allocation |
| NGB Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Fund | €1,500,000 |
| Disability Training & Education Fund | €255,000 |
| Disability Capital Support | €1,235,000 |
| Disability Programmes | €745,000 |
| NGB Volunteer Supports Fund | €1,000,000 |
| NGB Her Moves Fund | €200,000 |
| Teen Sport Innovation Programme | €100,000 |
| Get Ireland Walking/Swimming/Cycling/Running Fund | €575,000 |
| NGB Community Sports & Physical Activity Hub Fund | €210,000 |
| Get Ireland Active | €150,000 |
| Total | €5,970,000 |
The Dormant Accounts Fund enables unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be used to support the development of persons who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability, within the meaning of the Equal Status Act.
Sport Ireland is the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland. This includes participation in sport, high performance sport, anti-doping, coaching and the development of the Sport Ireland Campus.
Further details of this investment announcement are available from Sport Ireland.