Despite the disappointing end to Ireland’s journey at the Rugby World Cup over the weekend, sports fans on the Emerald Isle can seek solace from a government pledge to increase funding on sport by 40 per cent over the next year.

The increased investment – announced as part of the government’s Budget 2016 – will support the advancement of a participation strategy and the implementation of the National Physical Activity Plan.

Part of the extra funding has been earmarked for improving elite performance facilities.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, said: ‘The increase in sports allocation in Budget 2016, which is up 40 per cent on 2015, allows for the further development of the National Indoor Arena, which is on track for completion in November 2016.

“Often referred to as the missing piece in our national sporting infrastructure, this facility will provide a first-class environment in which athletes at all levels from more than 20 sports will be able to train and compete.

“Sport is so central to our future well-being. Engagement in it has a positive impact on us physically and mentally which needs to be supported. The achievement of our elite sportspeople, on the other hand, acts as an inspiration and delivers a positive effect on the perception of Ireland across the world.

“Government is keen to enhance this, particularly in 2016 when our athletes will be competing at the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The National Indoor Arena – to be located at the National Sports Campus in Dublin – will include an indoor athletics training centre comprising a 200m track; 60m sprint track; 110m sprint track; throw, jump and pole-vault areas; and permanent seating for 400 spectators which can be increased to 1,900 for key events.

Other facilities will include the National Gymnastics Training Centre and a separate, multi-sport facility catering for 20 sports in a variety of configurations with seating for 1,500 spectators. Outdoor facilities include covered, synthetic pitches with ancillary changing and strength & conditioning facilities.

• The extra funding in sport is part of a larger, €125m increase in the budget for the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport.

For more details on the Irish government’s Budget 2016, click here.