The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, on the 3rd of August announced a €2.5 million investment under Phase II of the Sports Energy Support Scheme. This funding will provide support to over 1,900 clubs, community-led sports facilities, National Facilities and Major Stadiums in Ireland, to meet the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport.

Building on the support previously provided by the Government last winter, this funding stream aims to help alleviate financial pressure as a result of increased energy costs on sports organisations, and ensure the sustainability of Irish sports clubs.

Under the Phase I of the Scheme, which covered energy costs for the period up to 31 March, €21 million was distributed through Sport Ireland Recognised National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to support over 2,000 affiliated clubs and facilities, €1.8 million of which was provided to the National Sports Campus.

Phase II of the Scheme extended the eligibility period to cover energy costs for April and May and sports clubs and organisations that did not apply under Phase I, were able to make an application for funding. In addition, community-owned sports facilities not affiliated specifically to an NGB or who did not qualify for other government support schemes, will be able to receive support through their Local Sports Partnership (LSP). This ensured that grassroots and community sport received maximum support.