The Government has increased the annual sports budget to €316.87 million for 2007. This figure represents a 30 per cent increase on the figure allocated last year.
Some €87.8m is provided towards improving sporting infrastructure at local and regional level.
The redevelopment of Lansdowne Road will benefit to the tune of €76 million in 2007. By completion, the Government is expected to have contributed some €191 million towards the project with the remainder coming from both the IRFU and FAI.
Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue expects An Bord Pleanála to approve the redevelopment plans early next year and that the project will get under way later that year.
"Although it is not possible to estimate the length of time that will be required to complete the planning process, up to the present, the project has proceeded on schedule and I am hopeful that by the end of 2009, we will see the completion of the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road Stadium," he said today.
The Irish Sports Council's budget increases by 20 per cent next year from €40.9 million to €49.025 million.
O'Donoghue said this rise would allow the ISC realise the commitments in its strategic plan to increase participation in sport and improve the levels of performance by Ireland's elite athletes.
An allocation of €71.81m is set aside to support the activities of Horseracing Ireland and Bord na gCon in the development of their respective sectors.
A further €30million will be allocated for the development of Phase 1 of the Sports Campus at Abbotstown.
This phase will provide pitches and support facilities for rugby, soccer and Gaelic games, with shared core facilities including accommodation, fitness area, medical and gym facilities.
Further facilities will then be provided to cater for over 30 indoor sports, such as badminton, basketball, bowling, boxing, judo, and table tennis.
Community playing pitches and support facilities are also included in this plan.
The capital allocation for grants for sports facilities, including swimming pools is €87.8m.