Increased funding of sport is one of the smartest decisions government can make

Increased funding of sport is one of the smartest decisions government can make

Increased funding has benefits for health, wellbeing and social cohesion

Ireland's relay team, from left, Sophie Becker, Phil Healy, Rhasidat Adeleke and Sharlene Mawdsley after the women's 4x400 relay final at the Stade de France during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. Photo: Sportsfile

Government funding has long been the backbone of Irish sport — and rightly so. Strategic public investment in sport and physical activity delivers far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond the playing fields and community sports halls.

From improving public health and tackling chronic disease, to fostering social inclusion and community cohesion, to driving economic activity and national pride, the return on investm