“Go raibh maith agat, a Aire.
Ba mhaith liom labhairt libh inniu faoin infheistíocht a bheidh a dhéanamh sna hearnálacha Gaeilge, Gaeltachta agus Spórt ag eascairt as Buiséad 2025.
I welcome the opportunity to address you all today on the 2025 Budget Estimates in relation to Sport and Gaeltacht.
Budget 2025 represents a landmark moment for Irish sport.
2 years ahead of schedule, this Government has more than doubled our investment in sport, compared to 2018 levels.
This fulfils a key commitment under our National Sports Policy 2018-2027 to double investment in sport to more than €220 million by 2027.
I am very glad to confirm that the 2025 allocation for Sport and Recreation amounts to €230.68 million – which in itself, is a 10% increase on 2024.
Increased Government funding is being provided to our sporting bodies, in order to build on the unprecedented success of our high-performance athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics, and to provide increased participation opportunities for everyone in Ireland.
The overall 2025 allocation being provided to Sport Ireland, which is tasked by the Government with responsibility for the development of sport in Ireland, amounts to €115.16 million.
This substantial allocation will provide sustained funding for the National Governing Bodies of Sport and our Local Sports Partnerships.
In 2018, the total annual core funding for National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships stood at €16.9 million.
I am proud to say that the figure now stands at €30 million for 2025.
Additional funding to support the delivery of the National Sports Policy is also being provided.
And for the first time, a dedicated Disability in Sport funding stream is being provided to Sport Ireland, to ensure that everyone, of every ability, enjoys the right to participate in sport and physical activity.
The performance of Team Ireland at the Olympics and Paralympics was truly inspiring and made us all proud.
I can confirm that annual high performance funding is being increased by over €1 million, as we continue to ramp up the funding, on the road to the LA Games in 2028.
The Government has also made provision for continued investment in hosting major international sports events, including the Ryder Cup 2027, and Euro 2028.
Last week, Minister Martin and I announced the largest-ever investment in sport facilities in the history of the State, with over a quarter of a billion – an unprecedented €256 million – allocated under the Community Sport Facilities Fund.
The capital allocation for the Fund, formerly known as the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, has been more than doubled in 2025 to €73.4 million.
I also welcome the announcement by Minister Chambers that changes will be made to the tax exemptions that apply to our national sporting bodies, to facilitate long-term investment for the purposes of future sport infrastructure, and sport equipment needs.
I believe this will be a key element in supporting our National Governing Bodies of Sport, in particular with planning for their capital development programmes.
In addition, reform of how donations to sports bodies for capital projects and other sports objectives are treated for tax purposes will also be undertaken, representing a further significant reform for sport.
I can confirm that Department officials will engage with our sporting bodies to see how best these changes can assist in their efforts to raise more direct support for sports clubs and organisation.
Overall, it is clear that by investing in sport, we will reap the benefits as a society, when it comes to both our physical and mental wellbeing.
And I am glad to say that Budget 2025 greatly advances our agenda to make Ireland, a Participation Nation.
Tá ardú tagtha ar mhaoiniú do Chlár na Gaeltachta go €106.9 milliún do 2025, ar ardú 6% é sin ar mhaoiniú 2024. Leis seo, tacófar leis an nGaeilge agus déanfar a húsáid mar phríomhtheanga phobail na Gaeltachta a neartú tuilleadh.
I measc na mbeart sonrach dá bhforálfar leis an maoiniú seo, beidh:
I firmly believe the Government’s ongoing commitment to Sport and the Gaeltacht has been clearly demonstrated in the increased allocations. The funding provided will continue to assist with wellbeing and integration, and solidify the importance of the Irish language and Irish speaking communities across the island and beyond.
Go raibh maith agaibh”.