More than €5 million in Dormant Accounts Funding has been allocated to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport confirmed today. The €5.16 million investment, delivered in partnership with Sport Ireland, will support a wide range of projects aimed at boosting participation, strengthening inclusion and expanding opportunities across the country.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said the funding will help sporting bodies “sustain the important work they do in communities throughout Ireland,” particularly for people experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities. He said the investment reinforces the principle that sport and physical activity “should be open to everyone, everywhere.”
The Dormant Accounts Fund allows unclaimed money from Irish financial institutions to be redirected into initiatives that remove barriers to participation for people who are economically or educationally disadvantaged or affected by a disability.
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue said continued investment in NGBs is essential as Ireland plans for 2026, noting that sport remains “a powerful driver of social inclusion.” He said the funding is designed to reduce inequalities and ensure people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to live active, healthy lives.
A significant portion of the 2025 allocation focuses on disability inclusion, with €2 million earmarked for Disability Capital Support, Disability Programmes and the Disability Training & Education Fund. These schemes support the Sport Ireland Policy on Participation in Sport for People with Disabilities and the National Sports Policy.
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, whose department oversees the Dormant Accounts Fund, said the fund “has continually aided the most vulnerable in society,” adding that he welcomed the measures that will benefit communities nationwide.
Sport Ireland Chairperson John Foley said the investment reflects a targeted approach to tackling participation barriers, emphasising the organisation’s responsibility to ensure “every euro delivers real impact.” CEO Dr Úna May added that the funding will allow NGBs to expand their work with people facing socio‑economic or educational barriers.
Sport Ireland will also invest €1.5 million in the NGB Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Fund, supporting projects that address barriers linked to gender, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socio‑economic background. Additional funding will strengthen volunteer supports, youth leadership programmes and training for volunteers working in disadvantaged areas.
Other funded initiatives include Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs, the Her Moves programme aimed at reducing dropout rates among teenage girls, and Get Ireland Active — a national online hub providing information on sport and recreation facilities.
In total, €5.162 million has been allocated across nine schemes for 2025, marking a continued commitment to widening access to sport and physical activity nationwide.
