Drogheda United Among Eight Clubs Seeking €80.6 Million in Government Grants for Facility Improvements
Drogheda United Seek Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Funding
Drogheda United are one of eight League of Ireland clubs that have applied for grants totaling €80.6 million as part of the Department of Sport’s latest round of Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Funding (LSSIF). These applications aim to secure a significant portion of the government’s overall €120 million fund allocated for sports infrastructure development.
Both Premier and First Division clubs are competing for a 67% share of the total funding. Interim FAI Chief Executive David Courrell acknowledged this initiative as their “biggest ask yet.” The clubs involved in this funding application include Drogheda United, Bohemians, Galway United, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, Treaty United, and Wexford.
Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed their support for additional projects, including Dublin City Council’s redevelopment of Dalymount Park and South Dublin County Council’s floodlighting upgrades at Tallaght Stadium, home to Shamrock Rovers. A joint funding application with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has also been submitted for sustainable renewable energy upgrades at the Aviva Stadium, which hosts the senior national teams.
In total, €86.2 million is being sought for various projects, with the League of Ireland projects accounting for €80.6 million. The estimated cumulative project cost stands at €140 million.
“The FAI continues to highlight and advocate for increased government financial support to upgrade Irish football’s infrastructure and facilities across all levels of the game to make them fit for purpose,” an FAI statement read.
June of last year, the FAI described “chronic” underfunding after unveiling The Facility Investment Vision and Strategy. This document resulted from an audit of grassroots and professional facilities across the country. The strategy outlined a €863 million plan to complete 2,500 projects over 15 years, with the government providing €517 million, local authorities contributing €173 million, and the FAI covering the remaining €173 million.
Interim FAI Chief Executive Officer David Courell expressed his gratitude: “Irish football has lodged our biggest ask yet under the LSSIF, and we thank the clubs and venue hosts for supporting our vision for the future of facilities across Irish football. We are extremely grateful to the Government for creating these opportunities, demonstrating their ambitious vision for sport and football nationally. As the largest participation sport in the country, we look forward to Government support for these nine projects which will grow the game in Ireland and make a lasting contribution to so many clubs and communities. We are excited to see a real kick start of our facilities vision ambitions when the final outcome is announced in the Autumn.”
Final outcome of the funding applications is expected to be announced in the Autumn, potentially setting the stage for a significant boost in football infrastructure across Ireland.
