Fianna Fáil TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleary has confirmed that the government is in the early stages of developing a digital sports and culture card for every Irish citizen turning 18.

Speaking on The Anton Savage Show, he explained:

“Every person, once they turn 18 years of age, they would receive, or be able to apply for a card or a digital wallet online, preloaded with a figure, and it can be redeemed to go to any live, cultural or sporting event.”

The proposal aims to give young people access to live events and cultural experiences through a preloaded digital wallet.

Cleary added that the money spent would go directly back into the sector:

“If somebody wanted to go to a show in the Bord Gáis or a GAA match the money in this card can be used to be put back into to help promote the arts and sports sector.”

Following other European schemes

Similar schemes already exist in France, Italy and Spain.

“In Spain they have a cultural card worth €400, they have broken it down into live events, physical performances and digital consumption.”

Cleary pointed to his home county of Kilkenny to explain how it could work locally. 

For young people, he said, access to cultural spaces can be transformative:

“For a younger person to go to a show in the Watergate or a sports event, it's huge for them to get them integrated.”

Kilkenny high street: Image by Alamy

He added that the benefits would also boost business and tourism in surrounding areas.

“It's also fantastic for the circular economy in the area,” he noted, explaining that increased attendance at events could generate significant revenue in local pubs and restaurants.

Future Plans

Cleary believes the plan is financially achievable within the departments current projections. Referring to the €1.5 billion arts and culture budget proposed by Minister Patrick O’Donovan for 2026, he said:

“It is a very small contribution but I think it would be absolutely massive.”

When asked whether the scheme could eventually extend beyond those turning 18, he mentioned that there is room for broader development:

“I think initially for me, is to get our younger people, then to expand the scheme to people who retire,” he said.

However, he emphasised that young people remain the priority:

“It would be a statement from our government that we are invested in our youth.”

TD Cleary is hoping to include the proposal in next year’s 2027 budget, aiming to formally launch the scheme if approved.

Written by Annemarie Roberts