Over €432,000 allocated to Mayo Sports Partnership in national funding boost

County Mayo’s Local Sports Partnership has received more than €432,000 in new funding as part of a major national investment in community sport, Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary has confirmed.

A total of €432,654 has been allocated to Mayo under a €12.66 million package announced today by Minister for Sport Charlie McConalogue, which will support 29 Local Sports Partnerships across the country. The national funding represents more than double the level of investment in the programme since 2018.

Minister Calleary welcomed the announcement, highlighting the inclusion of dedicated funding for women in sport and the role Local Sports Partnerships play in encouraging participation, inclusion and lifelong physical activity.

“Local Sports Partnerships are a cornerstone of community life here in County Mayo. Today’s allocation of €432,654 will further strengthen the work being carried out on the ground, supporting staff to deliver vital programmes, develop clubs, and promote participation in sport and physical activity at all levels,” he said.

He added that targeted funding for women and girls was particularly important, in line with the Government’s commitment to increasing participation in sport through focused investment measures.

“I am particularly pleased to see dedicated funding for women in sport included as part of this allocation,” he declared. "Fianna Fáil is committed, through the Programme for Government, to increasing overall participation in sport through targeted funding measures, including enhancing opportunities for women and girls to participate, lead and excel in sport.”

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The allocation is included in a record €33.36 million in core funding for sporting organisations in 2026 through Sport Ireland. Of this, €19.5 million will be invested in 57 National Governing Bodies of Sport, representing an increase of €1.2 million on 2025.

Minister Calleary said the funding would enhance the capacity of Mayo Sports Partnership to support communities, particularly in disadvantaged areas, through accessible and inclusive programmes aimed at improving health, wellbeing and social cohesion.

“The Local Sports Partnerships are focused on promoting lifelong physical activity, increasing participation, and strengthening community partnerships across County Mayo,” he said.

Concluding, Minister Calleary thanked Minister McConalogue for his continued support for community sport and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for local clubs and organisations to ensure sustained and reliable funding into the future.