326. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide a significant increase in funding to coastal rowing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50545/26]

The Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.

Among the objectives of the CSFF is to develop high quality, accessible, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation and to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas and group.

In line with previous rounds of the CSFF, I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open soon. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.

Almost €13 million has been allocated to 315 rowing projects nationwide since 2014. Of this, almost €1.6 million was allocated to 48 rowing projects in Kerry including €782,582 to 13 rowing projects in 2024.