Ireland announces increased Community Sport Facilities Fund for 2026

Ireland’s Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has announced the 2026 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), featuring increased grant limits and a new three-tier funding structure. Applications are scheduled to open online on 19 October 2026 and will remain open until 26 February 2027.

Key changes to the funding include an increase in maximum grants for local projects from €200,000 to €250,000, and for Regional Tier 1 projects from €500,000 to €550,000. A new Regional Tier 2 pilot category has been introduced, offering up to €750,000 for large shared multi-sport facilities. This new tier requires applicants to provide evidence of 30% match funding and must be managed by a National Governing Body (NGB) or local authority.

Minister of State Charlie McConalogue emphasized that the fund aims to support volunteers and improve accessibility for all genders. Eligible applicants include voluntary and not-for-profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, local authorities, schools, and third-level colleges. A new grant management platform, SPRAOI, has replaced the previous OSCAR system.