Basketball Ireland welcomes €4 million investment announced for Women in Sport in 2026

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan and Minister for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue have announced a €4 million investment under the Women in Sport Programme for 2026.

Sport Ireland's Women in Sport Programme supports projects and initiatives that create more opportunities for women and girls across a wide range of sports, helping to remove barriers to participation and promote equal opportunities in line with the National Sports Policy.

Speaking at Wednesday's announcement at Sport Ireland Courtyard in Blanchardstown, Basketball Ireland's WIS Lead, hailed the impact of the funding to National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships. 

"Basketball Ireland is delighted to welcome Sport Ireland's announcement of €4 million in funding through the 2026 Women in Sport Programme. This funding is about much more than financial support to NGB's and LSP's it is an investment in creating opportunities and ensuring women and girls can see a future for themselves at every level of our game", O'Loughlin stated

She added, "At Basketball Ireland, we have seen first-hand the difference targeted investment can make. The support we have received through the Women in Sport Programme has allowed us to develop and grow initiatives that are making a real difference across Irish basketball. Programmes such as SOCIA-Ball have opened new recreational opportunities for women in communities across the country, while SHE Coaches and the DREAM Programme are helping to develop and retain more female coaches and officials by providing education, mentoring and clear development pathways. Through SpotLight Her, we are also ensuring the journeys and achievements of some of our top players are shared, helping to inspire the next generation to get involved."

"While we are proud of the progress we have made, this continued investment from Sport Ireland allows us to build on that momentum, reach even more communities and create sustainable opportunities across participation, coaching, officiating, leadership and visibility. Together, we are not only growing the game but creating a stronger, more inclusive future for basketball in Ireland."

Carrie Moyles, Ireland O40 Masters player and winner of gold medal at 2026 FIBA Masters Open with Basketball Ireland's WIS Lead Louise O'Loughlin at Women In Sport Programme funding announcement

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, 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.”

Sport Ire land CEO, Dr Úna May, said:“The Women in Sport Programme reflects one of our core priorities - ensuring women and girls have equal opportunity to take part in sport throughout their lives. It is central to our vision of an active Ireland, one where everyone can experience the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity.

“The benefits are profound, especially for women and girls. Sport and physical activity protects physical and mental health and develops leadership skills and confidence that carry into every part of life. It also empowers women and girls to shape their own futures, on their own terms.”

Sport Ireland Director and Women in Sport Lead, Nora Stapleton, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how this targeted investment can change lives. With this continued support, NGBs are able to build on that momentum and ensure that every woman and girl has a place in sport.

“National Governing Bodies are realistic on the areas where work still needs to be done – this funding is crucial in empowering NGBs in capitalising on the opportunities that exist. The funding also enables us to continue to support long term strategic projects such as Her Moves, ensuring ongoing supports for women in leadership as well as looking at how we might increase the visibility of women in sport.”

Chairperson of the Women in Sport Committee, Michelle Tanner, said: “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.”