1579. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide an update and timeline on LSSIF and sports capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59641/26]

The Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF).

Under LSSIF 2018, €86.4 million was awarded to 33 different projects. Additional funding of €37.6 million was allocated to 27 of these projects in December 2023, bringing the total awarded under LSSIF 2018 to €124 million.

Grants totalling €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects was allocated under the second round of the LSSIF in November 2024. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now reaches €297 million.

With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels.

My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024. A third round will take place in the coming years. No decision has yet been taken on timing.

In relation to the Community Sport Facilities Fund ( CSFF), I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open soon.