Sports Ireland has announced a multi-year investment of roughly 3 million euros going towards building women's sport.

Across the two years, they plan to put most of the money towards the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Confederation of Golf. The rest of the money will go towards athletics, gymnastics, hockey and swimming. 

Tourism Minister Brendan Griffin says this investment is aimed at increasing women's participation in sports.

"While the gender gradient, at 4.5%, is narrower now than at any point over the past ten years, it is important that this gradient is eliminated altogether. Sport Ireland’s new Women in Sport Policy and the re-launched Women in Sport Programme is essential in this regard," said Brendan Griffin. 

However, not all Irish sports will receive this investment. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are excluded because of the association's lack of co-operation with the government.

The FAI recently had a loan scandal in April 2019, where they broke state funding rules by failing to tell to the government about a loan made by the former chief executive, John Delaney.

In spite of this, Griffin is ready to consider a future investment with the FAI only if they make an effort to resolve issues.

With this investment, Griffin wants to pay tribute to sportswomen "who continue to inspire and encourage thousands of girls and young women throughout Ireland every day to become involved in sport and to stay involved.”