Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan was joined by Minister of State Charlie McConalogue in announcing annual investment for 2025 in the High Performance programme of €27m that will be distributed through Sport Ireland.
This record investment, an increase from over €25 million awarded in 2024, will continue to support high performance athletes and the National Sports Policy aim to increase Ireland’s target medal haul.
Irish Sailing will receive €4 million over the four years from 2025 to 2028, while Canoeing Ireland will receive a total of €1.9 million over the same period. Rowing Ireland receives a one-off allocation of €1.1 million for 2025.
Speaking at the announcement on Wednesday (26 March), Minister McConalogue said: “We know that public investment in high performance sport pays dividends and increases the possibility for Irish athletes to compete at the highest level, which is why we are investing €27m through Sport Ireland over 2025.
“The significant increase in high performance sport funding over many years demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment, in collaboration with Sport Ireland, to support our athletes as they continue to strive for success.”
This year’s investment of €27m in the High Performance programme was announced on Wednesday 26 March
Sport Ireland High Performance Committee Chair Olive Loughnane added: “Investment in high-performance sport has been steadily increasing, with significant acceleration since 2018. At Sport Ireland we would like to thank the Government for their backing.
“The increased investment reflects a firm commitment to policy implementation; specifically, the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and High Performance Strategy 2021-2032.
“We are making strong progress towards the National Sports Policy target of €30m by 2027.
“Sport Ireland’s investment in high performance sport is now comparable with our international competitors. Our priority is to collaborate with stakeholders across the high performance system to maximise the effectiveness of this investment through strategic initiatives and programmes that deliver measurable results and value for money.”
Sport Ireland’s report announcing this latest investment also breaks down the funding awards to individual sailors, rowers, canoeists and other athletes. Download the PDF from the Sport Ireland website in English and as Gaeilge.
