Wicklow Sports Clubs Encouraged To Apply For Funding For Community Facilities

Wicklow sports clubs now have time to prepare for €750,000 funding grants

Clubs urged to begin planning applications for new Community Sport Facilities Fund round opening next week

The Community Sport Facilities Fund opens for registration on Monday. (28th September)

The updated scheme brings increased grant limits, simplified application requirements and a new tiered structure designed to support projects at every level.

What's on offer

The fund now operates across three categories:

• Up to €250,000 for local projects

• €250,000–€550,000 for Tier 2 projects

• Up to €750,000 for larger multi-sport projects

The scheme has also eased eligibility requirements, including reduced lease requirements, and now actively encourages partnerships between sports clubs and schools.

Local success

Wicklow clubs have secured significant Government investment through this fund in recent years, with projects including pitches, floodlights, dressing rooms, walking tracks and community sports facilities.

Fine Gael T.D. for Wicklow Edward Timmins said "This is excellent news for sports clubs and communities across Wicklow."

He added "Good sporting facilities make a real difference to clubs, volunteers, families and people of all ages."

He urged clubs to begin preparation work immediately:

"In recent years, clubs across Wicklow have secured significant Government investment. I want to see even more benefit from this new funding round."

Councillor for the Baltinglass Municipal District, Cllr Avril Cronin is encouraging local sports clubs to prepare applications for a new funding round, which opens next week.

“This is excellent news for clubs across Wicklow . Every community knows the difference that good sporting facilities make—not only for players, but for volunteers, families and local communities.

I would strongly encourage every eligible club to start preparing their application now. If any club has questions about the scheme, I’d be very happy to assist them in understanding the process.”

“In recent years we’ve seen clubs across Wicklow secure significant Government investment through this fund, delivering new pitches, floodlights, dressing rooms, walking tracks and community sports facilities. I want to see even more local projects benefiting from this new round.”

Key dates to know

• 28 September 2026: Registration opens via the new SPRAOI online system

• Week of 12 October: Department publishes detailed guidance and terms and conditions

• 19 October 2026 – 26 February 2027: Full application window

• Organisations previously registered on the OSCAR system will automatically transfer to the new platform