Over half a million euro in funding awarded for Waterford sporting initiatives
In addition to core funding, €13,000 was allocated to initiatives to support women in sport. Stock Image.
Waterford Sports Partnership has been awarded €546,985 in grant funding for 2026.
The allocation comprises €533,985 in core funding for the organisation and €13,000 to support the implementation of women in sport initiatives.
Waterford TD and Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins, welcomed the announcement of core funding, which he said is a record and represents a 9.4% increase for Waterford Sports Partnership.
“I’m delighted to see a record level of core funding awarded to Waterford Sports Partnership, and I want to commend my colleague Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, with whom I have worked closely in recent months.
“This investment will enable staff to deliver programmes through sustained funding initiatives, promotional activities, and community and club development.
“€3.6m has been allocated to Waterford Sports Partnership since 2018, and this funding will help to maximise the impact of their resources, foster partnerships, and enhance capacity through targeted investment in local sport and physical activity,” said Minister Cummins.
The funding is part of an €33.36 million investment in local sports partnerships announced today through Sport Ireland for 2026.
The enhanced Women in Sport funding allocation for 2026 will enable LSPs to expand and strengthen targeted initiatives for women and girls across all life stages.
A particular focus will be on those from disadvantaged communities, ethnic minority backgrounds, teenage girls, older age groups, and women with disabilities.
Making the announcement at the Sport Ireland Campus today, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, said the funding represents an investment and a steadfast commitment by the Government to strengthening the foundations of Irish sport.
“By backing National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships, it recognises their central role in delivering participation, performance and community impact across the country.
“We are continuing to scale investment in participation programmes, particularly those supporting women and girls, reinforcing our commitment to further narrowing the gender participation gap in sport, and in time, to eliminate it completely.
“This increased funding provides the stability and support required to sustainably grow participation, and position Ireland as a leader in inclusive, high-quality sport for all,” said Minister O'Donovan.
