Sport Ireland have confirmed funding of nearly €32 million for governing bodies for sport, direct athlete support and local authorities for 2019.
The funding announced, which represents a significant increase on 2018, includes an investment of €12.845 million in the core activity of national governing bodies for sport, €8.46m in high performance programmes, €820,000 in high performance funding for the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland, and €7.29 million in the work of the local sports partnerships.
Sport Ireland also announced €500,000 in targeted funding for projects, to assist with the preparation for key events in 2019, along with a further €1.93 million for the International Carding Scheme.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, said: "The National Sports Policy 2018-2027 published by my Department last July puts a strong emphasis on increasing participation in sport and physical activity by all members of society, regardless of age or circumstance.
"The significant increase in funding announced today will assist the excellent work of our National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships in delivering programmes and initiatives on the ground to get more people active on a regular basis.
"Their work is making a substantial contribution to the health and welfare of individuals, communities and the nation."
Canoe Sprint World Championships bronze medallist @Jenny_Egan has said the increase in funding in her sport is a huge lift. pic.twitter.com/8f37T1MjjL
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 6, 2019
Sport Ireland chairman Kieran Mulvey added: "2018 was a landmark year for Irish sport. At a strategic level, the publication of the new National Sports Policy was a key milestone for the sports sector.
"On the international stage we saw sustained success from our high performance teams and athletes, while the National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships are continuing to support strong participation in sport among people of all ages.
"Through a substantial budget increase for 2019, the Government has responded very positively to the case made by Sport Ireland and the Irish sporting community with a broad commitment to sport and physical activity.
"It is vital that our National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships are well supported and the increase in funding this year means that our funded bodies will be well equipped to deliver on their objectives as we look towards next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games and increasing participation in sport across the board."
Annalise Murphy has seen her carding funding of €40,000 end, less than two years out away from Toyko 2020.
After competing in the Volvo Ocean Race last year Murphy has moved from the Laser Radial category, in which she won silver in Rio, into the two-person 49erFX skiff.
However, her partner Katie Tingle suffered an arm injury last summer and Murphy has been unable to compete sufficiently to warrant
She will continue be supported by the Irish Sailing Association.
Boxer, Kellie Harrington is among those allocated funding of €40,000 today by Sport Ireland. The total funding for 2019 is almost €32 million. pic.twitter.com/WZbyRpYRBw
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 6, 2019
