Irish rugby clubs have a fresh opportunity to strengthen their role at the heart of local communities. The IRFU clubs walking track upgrade fund 2027 is now open, offering grants of up to €20,000 for projects that make physical activity safer and more accessible.
Run by the Irish Rugby Football Union in partnership with Healthy Ireland, the scheme is aimed at clubs across the 26 counties affiliated to their province. It is designed to help rugby grounds become welcoming community spaces for members, families and people who may otherwise face barriers to exercise.
What the IRFU walking track fund will support
The 2027 funding round is focused mainly on improving existing walking facilities rather than building entirely new tracks. Clubs may seek support for practical upgrades that extend access throughout the year.
- Resurfacing existing walking tracks
- Adding hardcore surfaces to grass tracks
- Improving lighting to make routes safer
- Making surfaces more suitable for wheelchair users and buggies
- Creating safer, car-free opportunities for local walking
Funding will be available in packages ranging from €10,000 to €20,000, depending on the scale of the proposed work and its expected benefit to the surrounding community. A limited amount is also available to clubs that previously received funding and now wish to apply through the same process.
Which rugby clubs are likely to be prioritised?
The IRFU says priority will be given to applications that clearly demonstrate a local need. That could include clubs serving rural areas without footpaths or street lighting, or communities where residents do not have access to a safe, manageable place to walk.
Projects supporting inclusive participation will also be important. Clubs are encouraged to show how their facilities could benefit:
- People with mobility restrictions
- Wheelchair users and families with buggies
- Women and girls who are currently inactive
- Local ethnic minority communities
- Community organisations focused on health and wellbeing
Potential links with groups such as men’s sheds, local wellbeing networks and other community organisations may strengthen an application. The wider aim is to ensure that a club is not only a venue for rugby, but also a practical health and activity resource for its locality.
A wider role for Irish rugby clubs
The initiative reflects the growing role of sports clubs in supporting community health. A well-maintained walking track can be used by people who do not play rugby, older residents, families and those taking their first steps towards a more active lifestyle.
For clubs, the improvements could also create stronger connections beyond traditional match-day activity. Better lighting and more manageable surfaces may make the facilities useful in more seasons and weather conditions, while partnerships with local groups can help attract new participants.
That community focus is particularly relevant across sports Ireland, where clubs often provide some of the few accessible spaces for organised activity in rural and suburban areas.
Application dates and next steps
Applications for the IRFU clubs walking track upgrade fund 2027 opened on 22 September 2026 and will remain open until 16 October 2026. Successful applicants are expected to be announced by the end of 2026 by the Department of Health and the IRFU.
Clubs considering an application should set out the condition of their current track, identify the barriers faced by local residents and explain how the proposed upgrade would improve access. Evidence of community partnerships and a clear plan for delivering the work may also help demonstrate the project’s value.
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What clubs should watch now
The immediate priority is preparing a focused application before the 16 October deadline. Clubs that can show a genuine local need, an inclusive plan and a clear benefit for people who struggle to access physical activity may be best placed to secure support.
Bottom line: the IRFU walking track fund gives rugby clubs a chance to open their grounds further to the public and make everyday exercise more accessible. The next key date is the funding announcement at the end of 2026.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby Football Union
