Mayo sports clubs urged to apply for enhanced Community Sport Facilities Fund
Minister Alan Dillon is encouraging sports clubs, community organisations and local authorities across Mayo to begin preparing applications for the next round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), which opens for registrations on Monday, September 28.
The new funding round, announced by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan TD, introduces a redesigned funding structure, larger grant amounts and simplified eligibility requirements aimed at helping more clubs deliver modern sporting and community facilities.
The enhanced scheme includes: Grants of up to €250,000 for local projects; Tier 2 grants ranging from €250,000 to €550,000; A new Tier 3 providing grants of up to €750,000 for larger multi-sport facilities; Simplified eligibility and reduced lease requirements; Greater support for partnerships between sports clubs and schools.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Alan Dillon TD said: “This is excellent news for sports clubs and communities right across Mayo. Our clubs are at the heart of community life. They provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in sport, promote health and wellbeing, and bring communities together through volunteerism and local pride.
“The Community Sport Facilities Fund has helped deliver transformative projects in Mayo over recent years, from upgraded pitches and floodlighting to improved dressing rooms, walking tracks and community sports facilities. This new funding round offers even greater opportunities for clubs to invest in their future.
“I would strongly encourage every eligible club, regardless of size, to start preparing now. “The increased grant levels and streamlined application process will make this fund more accessible than ever before.”
Minister Dillon added: “Mayo has a proud sporting tradition and some of the most dedicated volunteers in the country. This funding provides an opportunity not only to improve facilities for current members but to ensure future generations have access to modern, inclusive and high-quality sporting infrastructure.
“I would encourage clubs to engage early with the application process and my office is available to visit clubs and assist in understanding the scheme and preparing for the application window.”
Registration for the scheme will be available through the Department's new SPRAOI online system. Organisations currently registered on the OSCAR platform will automatically transfer to the new system.
A detailed information guide and scheme terms and conditions will be published during the week beginning October 12, with applications opening on Monday, October 19.
The application window will remain open until Friday, February 26, 2027.
Further details, including the guide to making an application, will be published by the Department in the coming weeks.