The Government has announced funding of high performance sport for 2025, increasing the money distributed through Sport Ireland from €25million last year to €27million.
A target of Ireland winning an eight to 10 medals at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles has been set as the details of the funding were confirmed at an event at Trinity College today.
Ireland won seven medals over four different sports at the 2024 Olympics and the majority of those medal winners have been awarded 'Podium' funding by Sport Ireland. Podium level funding is €40,000 a year and is given to those athletes considered genuine medal hopes.
In total 29 athletes have been awarded Podium level funding with 28 receiving the World Class funding level of €25,000 and 72 athletes picking up the International level funding of €18,000.
In addition the Olympic Federation of Ireland has been allocated €600,000 and Paralympics Ireland has been allocated €450,000 for 2025.
As expected, competitors across athletics, rowing, boxing and swimming make up the bulk of those receiving the highest level of funding.
The Government has announced funding of high performance sport for 2025, increasing the money distributed through Sport Ireland to €27million - @treacyj reports pic.twitter.com/RAqUrYfM96
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 26, 2025
There was funding of €60,000 for both the Irish women's 4x400m relay team and the mixed 4x400m team while three members of the Irish women's team who finished fourth at the Olymics recieved the top level of funding.
Rhasidat Adeleke, Sophie Becker and Sharlene Mawdsley, who all also compete in the individual 400m were awarded podium level funding, with Phil Healy picking up the €25,000 world class level funding.
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Dr Úna May, welcomed the announcement and said: "Our approach, backed by Government policy that has been far-sighted and deep-pocketed, has been consistent and sustainable investment to allow NGBs to develop strong and effective structures that support high performance athletes over the long-term.
"The results speak for themselves. The medal-winning performances of recent years are a testament to this strategy, with many NGBs benefiting from consistent support over multiple quadrennial cycles.
"The Government's multi-annual funding commitment will enable Sport Ireland to demonstrate ongoing returns on investment. But, of course, it's not just about the medals, our focus remains on athlete welfare, supporting them to compete globally while prioritising their well-being."
Sport Ireland High Performance Committee Chair Olive Loughnane added: "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 programs that deliver measurable results and value for money."
"These high-performance programs support the ambitions of athletes and teams who proudly wear the green, representing our nation as they strive for finals and podium finishes on the World and European stage."
