February 17, 2010.

IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES €8.35 MILLION PACKAGE

16 sports bodies will receive €5.7 million for their high performance plans

273athletes and 4 teams will receive €2.65 million under the Carding Scheme

Race walker Olive Loughnane, boxer John Joe Nevin and Paralympic cyclist Catherine Walsh were among the 16 sports people awarded contracted status and the top grant of €40,000 following their medal winning performances at World Championships in 2009. The Irish Sports Council’s package of €8.35 million in support for high performance sport in 2010 reflects the strong performances last year and the ambitious plans in each sport for the year ahead. 

Mr Martin Cullen, TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism said; "This is a substantial package of financial support and a powerful statement of the Government’s commitment to investment in sport. It is recognition of another very successful year for Irish high performance sport in 2009 and an acknowledgement of the potential of sport to make a real difference to the country as we prepare for forthcoming European Championships and World and Olympic Games."

A new High Performance Committee, chaired by Eamonn Coghlan, has been established to oversee the investment of the Irish Sports Council in elite sport. The Committee’s recommendation on the Performance Plans and International Carding Scheme were accepted by the board of the Irish Sports Council at its most recent meeting on February 9.   

The Performance Plans for each sport, devised and implemented by the Performance Directors, are the essential foundation of the high performance system. These plans consist of sport specific elite campaigns from junior to world class covering training camps, competition requirements, coaching, sports science & medical support and equipment requirements. Each Plan is agreed with the Irish Sports Council and the Institute of Sport, and where applicable, with Sport NI and Sports Institute Northern Ireland.

In 2010 €5.28 million will be invested in Performance Plans; the equivalent figure in 2009 was €5.7 million. An additional €450,000 has been ring-fenced for sports science and medicine service delivery bringing the total to €5.73 million in 2010. This function has been transferred from Coaching Ireland to the Institute of Sport and is included in the budget for the plans for the first time.

The Performance Directors ensure that the Carding Scheme and Performance Plans are complementary and that elite athletes are supported in the financial and non-financial aspects of their programmes. In total, €2.65 million will be allocated to athletes and teams under the Carding Scheme in 2010; the outturn in 2009 from the Scheme was €2.5 million.

The International Carding Scheme is well established and, in 2010, supports 111 senior level athletes in 20 sports. There will be an investment of €634,000 in Junior and Developmental squads in 16 sports. Since 2006 emerging athletes have been supported under a squad system and the details of the 162 individuals supported in 2010 are with each sport.

The third element of the support system is the Institute of Sport. The Institute, operating as a Unit of the Council from its premises at Abbotstown, delivers support directly to athletes, coaches and sports. In 2009 the Institute delivered a wide range of services in its operational areas of Performance Management, Athlete Lifestyle, Performance Science and Performance Medicine.

Eamonn Coghlan, Chairman, High Performance Committee, commented:  “This investment plan comes on the back of an excellent 2009. A series of outstanding performances across a range of sports demonstrates that Ireland can compete with the best in the world and that Irish sport can produce a real return on our investment”.

John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, speaking at the event, said “The total investment in 2010 will be broadly in line with 2009. The Council is delighted to be in a position to provide consistent and sustained support to the sports and athletes. The number of emerging athletes in a variety of sports was the most exciting development in 2009 and we will support these talented sports people so that they can reach their potential for Ireland”.