- €477,807 in Core Funding awarded to Donegal Sports Partnership for 2026
- €40,000 increase on 2025 allocation, including €9,000 for Women in Sport
- Part of a €12.66 million national investment in Local Sports Partnerships
- Funding supports inclusive, community-based sport and physical activity across Donegal
Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP) has been awarded €477,807 in Core Funding for 2026, an increase of €40,000 on the 2025 allocation, including €9,000 dedicated to Women in Sport initiatives.
The funding forms part of a €12.66 million investment in Ireland’s 29 Local Sports Partnerships, delivered through Sport Ireland, within a record €33.36 million Core Funding package for Irish sport in 2026.
Announcing the allocation, Minister Charlie McConalogue said:
“Donegal Sports Partnership has been a great asset to the county since it was established in 2001, and this latest funding will allow CEO Declan Boyle and his team to continue creating opportunities for communities throughout Donegal to engage in sport and physical activity. I was delighted to launch Donegal Sports Partnership’s Strategic Plan 2025–2029 last June, which aims to promote lifelong physical activity, increase participation, and strengthen community partnerships across the county.
“Donegal Sports Partnership does excellent work in the area of community health, wellbeing and social cohesion by ensuring that physical activity is accessible to everyone. This funding is included within a record €33.36 million Core Funding investment in sport for 2026, representing the highest ever level of core investment and a significant increase on previous years.”
Core Funding supports the everyday work of Donegal Sports Partnership, helping to create safe, welcoming spaces to be active, building confidence, and strengthening social connection through sport and physical activity, particularly among those who face the greatest barriers to participation.
Welcoming the announcement, Declan Boyle, CEO of Donegal Sports Partnership, said:
“The increase in Core Funding for 2026 represents a strong and positive endorsement of the impactful work being delivered across Donegal by our staff, volunteers, and key partners. This investment enables us to continue supporting communities that face the greatest barriers to participation, while further strengthening inclusive and welcoming opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in sport and physical activity and stay active.
“We are extremely grateful to Sport Ireland and the Department for their continued confidence in the role of Donegal Sports Partnership, which allows us to sustain and expand opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be involved in sport and lead healthier, more active lives.”
Donegal Sports Partnership extends its thanks to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Sport Ireland, Minister Charlie McConalogue, and Minister Patrick O’Donovan for their continued backing of Local Sports Partnerships and their commitment to strengthening communities through sport and physical activity.
