Sport Ireland has distributed €10.8m between 58 national governing bodies as part of its latest investment decisions.

The money will be split into core grants, specifically aimed at administration, participation programmes, coach development, hosting events, implementing strategic plans and the employment of professional staff.

Governing body funding is part of a wider €20m investment in sport as a whole.

On top of grassroots funding, €7.2m is going to be ploughed into elite sport as Ireland prepares for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

An additional €1.8m will go towards direct athlete investment through the International Carding Scheme, while €600,000 will be invested in 26 NGBs through Women in Sport programme, which aims to raise the overall physical activity levels among women and to support women’s roles within sports organisations.

The investment was unveiled by sports minister Patrick O’Donovan.

He said: “The work of our governing bodies is invaluable in providing sporting and volunteer opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds. It is vital that the programmes, events and initiatives run by the national governing bodies are well supported as we look forward to another exciting year of sport in Ireland.”