Ministers announce €4m funding for Women in Sport Programme
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., and Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue T.D., have announced investment of €4m under the Women in Sport (WIS) Programme for 2025.
The funding allocation matches the record amount invested last year and represents more than double the amount allocated in 2022.
The WIS Programme funds projects and initiatives across a wide range of sports. These projects support the Government’s vision for women in sport as one where women have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential, while enjoying a lifelong involvement in sport.
This year, 2025, marks twenty years of ringfenced funding for women’s sport in Ireland following the establishment of the WIS Programme. To date, over €30 million has been invested in women’s sports through the fund.
The further investment will support National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships to enhance all aspects of women’s involvement in sports across the WIS Programme target areas, including active participation, coaching, officiating and leadership.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan T.D., said: "This investment in women’s sport will enable more women and girls to be involved in sport across all levels from grassroots to high performance. The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate the gender participation gap by 2027. The funding announced today will support sporting organisations in putting programmes in place to increase women’s participation in their sports and assist in achieving this ambitious goal."
Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue T.D., said: "The funding allocated by government to support the participation of women and girls in sport is delivering real and meaningful change. The Women in Sport Programme has been a key enabler in the decline of the gender participation gap in recent years. It is vital that women’s involvement in sport is not confined to participation and the funding announced today will support initiatives in areas including coaching, officiating and leadership."
Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Úna May, said: "The evolution of the Women in Sport Policy and sustained funding is a testament to the progress made over the past two decades and reflects our shared commitment to gender equality in sport. By empowering women and girls to participate, lead, and excel at every level, we are building a more inclusive and dynamic sporting culture across Ireland."
Sport Ireland Director and Women in Sport Lead, Nora Stapleton, said: "We’ve seen first-hand how targeted investment can open doors, shift mindsets, and inspire confidence. With this continued support, we’re excited to build on that momentum and ensure that every woman and girl in Ireland feels welcome and valued in sport. While a lot has been achieved in the last number of years, the Women in Sport Policy clearly highlights where gaps and opportunities still exist. Funding such as this is vital to support organisations in closing these gaps and capitalising on the opportunities."
Chairperson of the Women in Sport Committee, Michelle Tanner, said: "The Women in Sport Policy has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities—not just on the field of play, but in boardrooms, coaching roles, and officiating."
2025 NGB WIS Funding Summary
The Women in Sport (WIS) budget remains at €4,000,000 for 2025. The following provides an overview of funding allocations to the sector of €3,420,000, split across four strands. The remaining €580,000 is allocated to Sport Ireland to lead on strategic projects including the delivery of national campaigns and initiatives that support the objectives and actions of the WIS Policy e.g. WIS Week, Her Outdoors Week, Her Moves campaign, coaching and leadership programmes and events, research projects (e.g. gender representation in sports media), upskilling workshops and conferences for the sector etc.
Strand Description
1. National Governing Body (NGB) WIS Funding Allocation – totalling €1,880,000
Sport Ireland received applications from 44 organisations totalling more than €3 million*. In line with all NGB funding streams, the WIS investment undergoes a detailed and robust application and assessment process. *See appendix A for allocation breakdown per NGB.
2. Additional NGB Special Projects – totalling €70,000
Sport Ireland received applications from 6 lead organisations* who are collaborating with other NGBs to deliver WIS special projects. *See Appendix B for Special Projects request/allocation breakdown.
3. Large Field Sports (FAI, IRFU and Gaelic Games family) Women in Sport Funding Allocation – totalling €1,100,000
A ringfenced sum of €1,100,000 from the WIS Funding Programme is available for these organisations. These allocations recognise the large field sports unique size, scale, and areas of need in comparison to the broader NGB sector. · FAI – €300,000 · GAA - €400,000 · IRFU - €400,000
4. Additional Grants and Campaign Support Schemes €370,000
Grants to be made available for organisations to host events, initiatives and programmes targeting women and girls as well as supporting some of the marketing and communication of each campaign. · Teenage Girls Her Moves (for LSPs) - €170,000 · Her Outdoors (LSPs & NGBs) - €100,000 · Women in Sport Week (LSPs & NGBs) - €100,000
Appendix A – Women in Sport NGB Investment Allocation 2025
National Governing Body 2025 Allocation
Athletics Ireland €110,000
Swim Ireland €110,000
Basketball Ireland €80,000
Gymnastics Ireland €80,000
Hockey Ireland €80,000
Triathlon Ireland €80,000
Golf Ireland €75,000
Rowing Ireland €74,000
Badminton Ireland €70,000
Cricket Ireland €70,000
Tennis Ireland €70,000
Canoeing Ireland €65,000
Irish Athletic Boxing Association €60,000
Irish Wheelchair Association €60,000
Volleyball Ireland €60,000
Cycling Ireland €60,000
Irish Sailing €50,000
Mountaineering Ireland €50,000
Special Olympics Ireland €50,000
Diving Ireland €37,000
National Community Games €35,000
Motorsport Ireland €35,000
Squash Ireland €35,000
Horse Sport Ireland €30,000
Irish Judo Association €30,000
ONAKAI (Karate) €30,000
Table Tennis Ireland €30,000
Weightlifting Ireland €30,000
Fencing Ireland €20,000
Irish Surfing Association €20,000
Irish Waterski & Wakeboard Federation €20,000
Olympic Handball Ireland €20,000
Pitch & Putt Ireland €20,000
Snooker & Billiards Ireland €20,000
Irish Martial Arts Commission €18,000
Archery Ireland €15,000
American Football Ireland €15,000
Orienteering Ireland €15,000
Irish Lawn Bowls €15,000
Rugby League Ireland €10,000
Racquetball Association of Ireland €8,000
Vision Sport Ireland €8,000
Croquet Association of Ireland €8,000
Deaf Sports Ireland €2,000
Sub Total €1,880,000
Appendix B - Additional NGB Special Projects
National Governing Bodies 2025 Allocation
Rowing (Lead) & Weightlifting €20,000
Athletics (Lead), Swim, Cycling, Rowing & Triathlon €6,500
Squash (Lead), Athletics and Triathlon €10,000
Swim (Lead), Athletics, Triathlon, Cycling & Rowing €22,000
Triathlon (Lead) & Cycling €4,000
Tennis (Lead), Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis €7,500
Sub Total €70,000