13 October 2026
By Bryan McCarthy
bryan@TheCork.ie
Playing games outdoors is fine during the daytime, but what can you do in the evenings?
Fianna Fáil TD for the Cork East constituency, James O’Connor has encouraged local sports clubs and organisations to prepare applications for the 2026 Community Sport Facilities Fund, which will open for applications on 19 October.
The new round will include increased maximum grant levels, simpler application requirements and a new funding tier for larger multisport projects.
Deputy O’Connor said:
“Sports clubs are at the heart of communities across Cork and this fund gives them an important opportunity to improve facilities, purchase equipment and invest in their future.
“I would strongly encourage clubs and organisations across the constituency to familiarise themselves with the new scheme now and begin preparing their applications ahead of the opening date.”
Under the new round, the maximum grant available for local projects will increase from €200,000 to €250,000.
Regional Tier 1 grants will increase from a maximum of €500,000 to €550,000, while a new Regional Tier 2 will provide grants of up to €750,000 for larger multisport projects led by Local Authorities or National Governing Bodies.
Deputy O’Connor said:
“The increase in the maximum local grant to €250,000 is particularly welcome and could make a real difference for clubs looking to progress substantial projects.
“There are also changes designed to make the scheme more accessible, including reducing the minimum lease term from 15 years to 10 years and removing the mandatory requirement to have a registered lease.
“I am also pleased to see greater encouragement for collaboration between sports clubs and schools. Shared facilities can deliver real benefits for entire communities and help ensure that investment reaches as many people as possible.
“I want to thank Minister Charlie McConalogue for bringing forward this new round of funding and for the practical changes that will help more clubs and organisations access support.”
A new grant management system, SPRAOI, went live on 28 September. Clubs and organisations not previously registered with the Department can now register, while approximately 8,000 organisations previously registered on the OSCAR system have been transferred automatically.
The application window will run from 19 October 2026 until 26 February 2027.
Deputy O’Connor added:
“There is plenty of time to prepare, but clubs should not leave it until the last minute. I would encourage any organisation considering an application to check its registration details, read the information guide and begin putting together a strong proposal now.
“Investment in local sporting facilities is an investment in participation, health and community life, and I want to see Cork East clubs putting themselves in the strongest possible position to benefit from this round of funding.”