Paralympics Ireland has welcomed the announcement of a record €28.5 million investment in High Performance sport for 2026, a significant step in supporting Para athletes as preparations continue towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
The funding, confirmed by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan and Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue, will be distributed through Sport Ireland and represents the highest ever annual investment in Ireland’s High Performance system.
The announcement follows a standout year for Irish athletes, with 127 major medals won in 2025, underlining the impact of sustained investment across Paralympic and Olympic sport. From a Paralympics Ireland perspective, this continued funding is critical in enabling Para athletes to train, compete and perform consistently on the international stage.
The increase from €27 million in 2025 to €28.5 million in 2026 reflects a growing commitment to High Performance sport, with more than €55 million set to be invested by the midpoint of the LA cycle. This period is a key phase for Para athletes, with qualification pathways, performance benchmarks and long-term planning now firmly underway.
In addition, €4.75 million will be allocated to athlete supports through the International Carding Scheme and Player Funding Scheme in 2026. This includes direct funding for 139 athletes, alongside relay and pool allocations, as well as supports such as the Athlete Career Transition Programme.
The confirmation that two-year carding awards will return in 2027 and 2028 places added importance on performances in the coming season, with 2026 acting as a critical year for athletes aiming to secure longer-term financial stability within the system.
CEO of Sport Ireland, Úna May, highlighted that the High Performance system is now entering a pivotal stage, with a continued focus on strengthening the National Governing Body model. For Paralympics Ireland, this approach ensures that Para athletes are supported within sport-specific environments, backed by expertise that understands the demands of high performance Para sport.
Ongoing investment in the Sport Ireland Campus and Institute also remains a key factor, providing Para athletes with access to world class training facilities, sports science, medical support and performance services.
Paralympics Ireland continues to work closely with Sport Ireland as a key delivery partner within the High Performance system, ensuring that Para athletes are supported at every stage of the pathway, from emerging talent through to podium performance.
