Record €4m boost to drive women’s sport in Ireland

Allocation matches the highest level of funding ever provided

Women and girls in sport are set to benefit from a record €4 million Government investment after Ministers Patrick O'Donovan and Charlie McConalogue announced funding for the Women in Sport (WIS) Programme in 2026.

The allocation matches the highest level of funding ever provided under the programme and is double the amount invested just four years ago, underlining the Government's commitment to tackling gender inequality in sport.

More than €30 million has now been invested through the Women in Sport Programme since its launch in 2005, supporting initiatives that encourage participation, develop female coaches and officials, strengthen leadership opportunities and raise the profile of women's sport nationwide.

The funding announcement comes as the latest Irish Sports Monitor shows women's participation in sport has climbed to 46% on a weekly basis. However, ministers acknowledged that a gender participation gap remains and said the latest investment is aimed at breaking down the barriers that continue to prevent more women and girls from getting involved.

Welcoming the funding, Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May described the programme as central to creating an active Ireland where women and girls can enjoy the lifelong physical, mental and social benefits of sport.

Sport Ireland Women in Sport Lead Nora Stapleton said the investment would allow National Governing Bodies to build on recent momentum while continuing to support flagship initiatives such as Her Moves, leadership programmes and projects designed to boost the visibility of women in sport.