Overview

• The grant is structured as a multi-annual package and is reported to rise if agreed targets are met.
• Distribution will flow from Sport Ireland to the FAI for club disbursement, with a standalone account and an oversight committee proposed.
• The €3m figure falls short of the €4.45m annual sum the FAI sought to kickstart its 11-year academy plan.
• The FAI’s initial phase envisioned funding key hires at clubs, including a full-time academy director, head of coaching and an administrator.
• The allocation follows a government-funded audit finding major gaps in facilities and coaching, and it is reported as the largest sports-body award in this budget, with separate increases for the GAA (€983,000), IRFU (€727,000) and the GPA (about €1.5m).