Athletics continues to demonstrate strong national impact and strategic growth, reflected by significant increases in capital investment through the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme. This progress highlights the sport’s rising participation levels, strengthened governance, and vital role in community sport development.

Progression of Athletics Capital Funding

This represents:

• +176% growth since 2018
• +70% increase since 2020
• A consistent rise across three national funding cycles

This upward trajectory places athletics among the top funded sports in Ireland outside the major field sports and ahead of many long-established NGBs.

Position of Athletics vs Other Sports (2023)

Athletics ranks 5th among all funded sports in the most recent cycle, and is the highest‑funded non‑field sport. This reflects national footprint, participation scale, governance strength and community role.

Examples of Major Club Investments

Finn Valley AC (Donegal) – Track resurfacing throws development and indoor training improvements.

Leevale AC (Cork) – National indoor arena and high‑performance training infrastructure.

Clonliffe Harriers AC (Dublin) – Santry facility upgrades supporting elite and community programmes.

Ratoath AC (Meath) – Facility expansion supporting membership growth and community engagement.

Dooneen AC (Limerick) – Competition‑standard jumps and throws facilities.

Enniscorthy AC (Wexford) – Clubhouse enhancements and improved community sports access.

Momentum Steps for 2026 Funding Cycle

Maintaining Momentum – Preparing for 2026

With the next funding round expected in 2026, athletics must continue to build on this momentum. As competition for capital investment increases, planning now is essential to secure our continued share.

Priorities include:

• Early project planning and feasibility
• Strong partnership and community alignment
• Evidence-based need and participation growth
• Governance and readiness standards
• Sustainability and accessibility focus

Athletics Ireland will work with clubs between now and 2026 to ensure proposals are ambitious, strategic and deliver maximum community impact.

Athletics Ireland will begin preparing clubs now for the 2026 programme, with support that will include:

• Club facility planning templates & guidance
• Funding workshops (Q4 2025 – Q1 2026)
• One-to-one advisory support for clubs with strategic facility plans
• Governance & readiness support to ensure compliance and best practice
• Early preparation is essential. Every club with facility ambition from basic equipment upgrades to full track developments should begin planning now.

With structured preparation, continued collaboration and strong visibility of community and performance impact, athletics is well placed to build on recent success and secure further capital investment in 2026.