High Performance Investment
This year marks a pivotal moment for Sport Ireland and the wider high performance system, representing both the midpoint of the High Performance Strategy (2021–2032) and a key milestone in the journey toward the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in LA 2028. It is a time to reflect on the significant progress achieved to date; strengthened systems, enhanced athlete supports, and consistent international success, while also sharpening our focus on the opportunities ahead. Sport Ireland is committed to the development of Ireland’s high performance system by deepening our investment in people and programmes.
In 2026, Sport Ireland will invest €28.5m in high performance sport. This funding will primarily support NGBs in the delivery of their High Performance Programmes through world-class coaching, support services, and access to training camps and competitions. Sport Ireland will also target its investment in innovation, pathway development and enhanced athlete supports.
As per the objectives of the High Performance Strategy, Sport Ireland seeks to support NGBs which produce results on a sustainable and systemic basis. Underpinning these results are NGBs which operate on the principles of improving and growing their sport through expert leadership, transparent decision making, and strong cultures of good governance and accountability.
The table below summarises Sport Ireland’s investment in high performance sport across all funding streams in 2025 and 2026.
| 2025 Investment | 2026 Investment | |
|---|---|---|
| High Performance Programme Funding | €12,705,000 | €13,350,000 |
| Performance Development Programme Funding | €994,590 | €1,000,000 |
| Direct Athlete Funding | €4,424,352 | €4,750,000 |
| Golf Ireland Professional Scheme | €350,000 | €375,000 |
| High Performance Coaching | €1,500,000 | €1,600,000 |
| Olympic Federation of Ireland | €650,000 | €750,000 |
| Paralympics Ireland | €700,000 | €800,000 |
| Performance Pathways | €442,970 | €600,000 |
| High Performance Innovation | €165,569 | €300,000 |
| High Performance Culture & Integrity | €250,000 | €325,000 |
| Strategy Implementation & Contingency | €303,738 | €300,000 |
| Sport Ireland Institute | €4,200,000 | €4,350,000 |
| Total | €26,686,219 | €28,500,000 |
High Performance Programme Funding
High Performance Programme Funding is invested by Sport Ireland directly to NGBs. Its purpose is to support the operations and delivery of NGBs’ High Performance Programmes, which includes strategic leadership, coaching, support services, daily training environments, camps and competitions. High Performance Programme Funding is the primary funding mechanism for NGBs seeking to deliver their plans and programmes. In 2026, Sport Ireland will provide a 5% increase in funding to all 16 High Performance Programmes, as detailed below.
| Funded Body | 2025 Investment | 2026 Investment | 2025-2028 Investment |
| Athletics Ireland | €1,050,000 | €1,103,000 | €4,359,000 |
| Badminton Ireland | €500,000 | €525,000 | €2,075,000 |
| Boxing Ireland | €1,050,000 | €1,103,000 | €4,359,000 |
| Canoeing Ireland | €475,000 | €500,000 | €1,975,000 |
| Cricket Ireland | €600,000 | €630,000 | €2,490,000 |
| Cycling Ireland | €725,000 | €762,000 | €3,011,000 |
| Golf Ireland | €650,000 | €683,000 | €2,699,000 |
| Gymnastics Ireland | €725,000 | €762,000 | €3,011,000 |
| Hockey Ireland | €950,000 | €998,000 | €3,944,000 |
| Horse Sport Ireland | €900,000 | €945,000 | €3,735,000 |
| Irish Rugby Football Union | €600,000 | €630,000 | €2,490,000 |
| Irish Sailing Association | €1,000,000 | €1,050,000 | €4,150,000 |
| Paralympics Ireland* | €1,000,000 | €1,050,000 | €4,150,000 |
| Rowing Ireland | €1,100,000 | €1,155,000 | €4,565,000 |
| Swim Ireland | €1,100,000 | €1,155,000 | €4,565,000 |
| Triathlon Ireland | €280,000 | €294,000 | €1,162,000 |
| Total | €12,705,000 | €13,345,000 | €52,740,000 |
*For onward allocation per Paralympics Ireland’s transition project.
2026 Performance Development Programme Funding
In 2025, Sport Ireland established Performance Development Programme Funding. This specific programme was targeted at NGBs which were either stepped down from High Performance Programme Funding, or which were designated as being an aspirational/ developing programmes for future Cycles/Games. This scheme allows NGBs to receive support that is specific to their individual needs, while also being reflective of their respective stages of development. In 2026, nine NGBs will receive support through this scheme.
| Funded Body | 2026 Allocation |
|---|---|
| Basketball Ireland | €200,000 |
| Irish Judo Association | €200,000 |
| Pentathlon Ireland | €150,000 |
| Squash Ireland | €80,000 |
| Weightlifting Ireland | €50,000 |
| Irish Clay Target Shooting Association | €45,000 |
| Irish Surfing Association | €45,000 |
| Volleyball Ireland | €45,000 |
| Mountaineering Ireland | €20,000 |
High Performance Operations & Administration Funding
Sport Ireland’s investment in the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland supports the operations of both organisations with a particular focus on planning for and participating at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, Sport Ireland’s investment in the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland underpins long-term planning and collaboration across the high performance system. Through this partnership approach, Sport Ireland helps to maximise Ireland’s potential on the global stage while fostering a unified and high-performing sporting system.
A key strategic objective for Paralympics Ireland is the planned transition of responsibility for two key para sports to their respective NGBs. Para-swimming and para-athletics will transition to Swim Ireland and Athletics Ireland respectively in 2026. This approach aims to fully integrate the para disciplines within their NGBs, creating more aligned, inclusive, and sustainable performance pathways for athletes. This year will be a key period of transition for these sports and Sport Ireland is committed to the success of this strategically important project. Further to the investment detailed in the table below, Sport Ireland will provide additional funding of up to €500,000 to Paralympics Ireland through the various high performance funding programmes including innovation, direct athlete supports, coaching, and pathways.
The table below details Sport Ireland’s investment to both these organisations.
| Funded Body | 2025 | 2026 |
| Olympic Federation of Ireland | €650,000 | €750,000 |
| Paralympics Ireland | €700,000 | €800,000 |
| Total | €1,350,000 | €1,550,000 |