Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has confirmed that the new SPRAOI grant management system for the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) will go live on Monday, 28 September 2026.

Sports clubs and organisations not previously registered with the Department will be able to register on the new system from Monday, ahead of the opening of the 2026 funding application window on 19 October. The application window will remain open until Friday, 26 February 2027.

The Community Sport Facilities Fund is the Government’s primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment.

Grants are available to voluntary, not-for-profit sports clubs, community groups, National Governing Bodies of sport and local authorities. Third-level colleges, Education and Training Boards and schools may apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.

Minister Canney said: “I would encourage any sports club or organisation intending to apply for funding under the Community Sport Facilities Fund to make sure they are registered and ready ahead of the opening of applications on 19 October.

“Clubs already registered on the previous OSCAR system will have their registrations automatically transferred to SPRAOI, but I would encourage them to check that their information is accurate and up to date.

“The Community Sport Facilities Fund has an important role in supporting the development of sporting facilities in communities across the country, and I would encourage eligible clubs and organisations to begin preparing their applications.”

Changes to the 2026 funding round will include increased funding thresholds to take account of construction inflation and administrative efficiencies aimed at making the application process easier.

The fund has been expanded with:

  • Equipment-only Grants of up to €70,000(not for NGBs or Tier 2 applicants)
  • Local Grants of up to €250,000(95% maximum grant rate)
  • Regional Tier 1 Grants of between €250,000 and €550,000(70% maximum grant rate)
  • Regional Tier 2 Grants of between €550,000 and €750,000(70% maximum grant rate, capital only, with no equipment allowed)

 

There will also be a strong focus on multi-sport collaborations and collaboration between clubs and schools to deliver more shared sporting infrastructure.

As with the most recent round in 2023, projects will only be considered for grant support where access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms. A significant funding priority will also be assigned to projects that can demonstrate a commitment to the “sport for all” ethos.

A detailed Information Guide, including the full Terms and Conditions for the 2026 round, will be published in the week commencing 12 October.

Further information, including registration details, is available at http://www.gov.ie/sportscapital.

Clubs and organisations requiring specific guidance can contact [email protected].