Big Three facing ISC funding cutbacks
Overall funding is 6% lower than last year, with the FAI, GAA and IRFU due to receive €9 million in total from the ISC; the three sports organisations will match that with €27 million from their own funds.
In soccer, which continues to be the largest team sport in the country, the ISC will invest €3,158,400 to support the implementation of the FAI’s Football Development Programme and a further €192,274 to support its Women in Sport Programme 2011.
This is a reduction of €260,000 on the 2010 figure but it will be added to by FAI investment of €9.8 million for the year.
The Council will provide €2,966,640 to the GAA in respect of its 2011 programmes, a reduction of €190,000 on the 2010 figure. Currently the GAA has over 20,000 teams operating out of 2,300 clubs and more than 464,000 registered members; it will bolster the ISC cash with €10.13 million of its own funds.
The IRFU will receive an investment of €2,771,120 in its programmes to promote under-age participation and €141,000 in IRFU Women in Sport programme.
This is a reduction of €186,000 on the 2010 figure; as in previous years the investment supports the employment of more than 100 Rugby Development Officers. The IRFU will invest €10.75 million of its own funds in the programmes outlined above for the coming year and €240,000 for the Women in Sport programme.
“The FAI, IRFU and GAA share the Council’s goal of increasing the numbers of people participating in sport in Ireland,” said Kieran Mulvey, CEO of the Irish Sports Council. “In addition to the Council’s investment the three organisations provide significant finances from their own resources to deliver outstanding programmes. These activities are making a positive impact on numbers taking part in sport.”
John Treacy, chief executive of the Council, added: “This investment ensures the long term sustainable development of the three sports in Ireland.’’
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