Government announces €4 million investment for women in sports

The Government have announced a €4 million investment for women in support, under the WIS programme for 2026.

The Women in Sport Programme (WIS) was created to fund projects and initiatives for women and girls across a diverse range of sports. This is to support the National Sports Policy’s vision to remove barriers to participation and to facilitate equal opportunity.

Since its establishment in 2005, the programme has invested over €30 million in women’s sports.

As part of the 2026 programme, the funding will promote women’s involvement in sport across their target areas. This will include active participation, coaching and officiating, visibility and leadership and governance.

Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, said: “The most recent Irish Sports Monitor findings highlighted the significant progress made over the lifetime of the National Sports Policy, with 46% of women now participating in sport weekly.

“The results also illustrated the ongoing need for investment to eliminate a persistent gender participation gap. We remain committed as a government to eliminating the participation gap, and the funding announced today is vital to achieving that goal and ensuring that every woman and girl can excel in all aspects of sport.”

Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, said: “The sustained investment in the Women in Sport Programme over the past 20 years has enabled the sector to provide opportunities and support for women to participate fully in sport, including in coaching and leadership positions.

“The funding announced today will build on that progress, helping to foster a sporting culture where women can thrive at every level and be empowered to enjoy the benefits of lifelong participation in sport.

“The sustained investment in the Women in Sport Programme over the past 20 years has enabled the sector to provide opportunities and support for women to participate fully in sport, including in coaching and leadership positions. The funding announced today will build on that progress, helping to foster a sporting culture where women can thrive at every level and be empowered to enjoy the benefits of lifelong participation in sport.”

Chairperson of the Women in Sport Committee added: “The evolution of the Women in Sport Policy, backed by sustained Government investment, is a testament to two decades of progress and to our shared commitment to gender equality in sport. By empowering women and girls to participate, lead, and excel at every level, we are building a more inclusive sporting culture - one that benefits all of society.”