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This record investment will continue to support high performance athletes and the National Sports Policy’s aim of increasing Ireland’s target medal haul.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said: “Last year was a record-breaking one for Irish athletes, with a total of 127 major medals won. These results were achieved across a great number of sports and backed up by significant Government investment. Once again, we are happy to support Irish athletes by investing more funds than ever before.
“This year is a pivotal mid-way point in the LA Cycle and the delivery of the High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. Irish athletes are continuing to win medals on the world stage, and I am confident that this continued financial support will lead to further achievement at the highest levels.”
The 2026 investment of €28.5m in high performance sport is an increase on the €27m invested in 2025, and the highest-ever annual investment in high performance sport. Over €55m will be invested by the mid-way point of the Olympic/Paralympic cycle.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport & Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue said: “Public investment in High Performance Sport gives our athletes the best possible chance of performing strongly at the highest level, which is why we are investing €28.5m through Sport Ireland over 2026.
“The significant increase in High Performance Sport funding over many years demonstrates the government’s continued commitment, in collaboration with Sport Ireland, to support our athletes as they continue to strive for success.”
Funding to athletes in 2026 has increased by €600,000 from last year. In 2026, Sport Ireland will invest €4.75m in the International Carding scheme and Player Funding Scheme. This funding allocation will cover all elements of the Scheme, including 139 individually funded athletes, nine pool funding and relay allocations, the Athlete Career Transition Programme, Player Funding Scheme, and reserves.
Sport Ireland will reintroduce two-year Carding awards in 2027 and 2028, which means 2026 will be a key year for athletes to achieve criteria and secure this multi-annual funding award.
High Performance Investment Announcement 2026
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “I’d like to thank the Government for their generous backing of the High Performance system. This year is a pivotal mid-way point in the LA Cycle and the delivery of the High Performance Strategy 2021-2032. Strong foundations have already been laid down and now the high performance system is entering a critical moment to build on this progress.“As the High Performance Strategy enters its sixth year of implementation, Sport Ireland is going to deepen our commitment to the National Governing Body model, this is crucial in ensuring athletes are guided by sport-specific expertise with a clear focus on global success.”
Sport Ireland continues to evolve and develop its High Performance strategy. The Strategy is based on the philosophy that athletes and the people who support them are at the heart of everything. In 2025 former international high-jumper and Olympian Deirdre Ryan was appointed as chairperson of the Sport Ireland High Performance Committee. This committee is fully committed to overseeing the implementation of this strategy and continually reviews its progress.
Investment in the Sport Ireland Institute and Campus has strengthened the support available to Irish athletes and enhanced Ireland’s capacity to prepare, perform, and compete at the highest level. The Campus continues to develop as the home of high performance sport in Ireland, and we are actively exploring opportunities to host major international events.
Deirdre Ryan, Chairperson of the Sport Ireland High Performance Committee, said: “At Sport Ireland we would like to thank the government for their investment in high performance sport. This backing will allow us to accelerate system improvements across coaching, innovation, and pathway development. The 2026 investment reflects this commitment, with €2.5m planned to be spent in these areas.
“Sport Ireland is working with colleagues across the high performance system to support the additional costs that the LA Olympic Games will bring. We’re committed to protecting and enabling performance whilst maintaining cost efficiencies.”
Both Team Ireland (Olympic Federation of Ireland) and the Irish Paralympic Team (Paralympics Ireland) are key partners and delivery agents for Sport Ireland.
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High Performance Programme Funding
High Performance Programme Funding is provided to National Governing Bodies to support the delivery of their performance programmes. This funding supports a range of activities including training camps and competitions, pathway development, performance services and performance team salaries. These programmes are central to supporting Irish athletes and teams in reaching finals and achieving medals at European & World Championships, Olympic & Paralympic Games.2025-2028 HP Programme Funding Allocation
Funded Body 2025 Allocation / 2025-2028 Allocation
Rowing Ireland €1,100,000 / One year only
Swim Ireland €1,100,000 / €4,400,000
Athletics Ireland €1,050,000 / €4,200,000
Irish Athletic Boxing Association €1,050,000 / One year only
Paralympics Ireland €1,000,000 / One year only
Irish Sailing Association €1,000,000 / €4,000,000
Hockey Ireland €950,000 / €3,800,000
Horse Sport Ireland €900,000 / €3,600,000
Cycling Ireland €725,000 / €2,900,000
Gymnastics Ireland €725,000 / €2,900,000
Golf Ireland €650,000 / €2,600,000
Irish Rugby Football Union / €600,000 €2,400,000
Cricket Ireland €600,000 / €2,400,000
Badminton Ireland €500,000 / €2,000,000
Canoeing Ireland €475,000 / €1,900,000
Triathlon Ireland €280,000 / €1,120,000
Total HP Programme Funding €12,705,000 / €38,220,000
High Performance Operations & Administration Funding
Funded Body 2024 / 2025
Olympic Federation of Ireland €500,000 / €600,000
Paralympics Ireland €450,000* / €450,000*
Total €950,000 / €1,050,000