Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May (centre) with key stakeholders at the launch of the Local Sports Plans framework.
As part of this Sport Ireland is delighted to announce that, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, we have secured €200,000 to support local authorities in developing their local sports plans.
This initiative, a key action of the Government’s National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the recently published Sports Action Plan 2024 – 2027, aims to increase participation in sport and physical activity, ensuring that every community in Ireland has access to the lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle.
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “This is an important milestone in ensuring that sport is accessible to all communities in the country.
“Sport Ireland’s aim is to create a unified approach to the development of sport, and local authorities are uniquely positioned to lead this work with the support of Sport Ireland, while fostering collaboration between all key stakeholders including clubs, schools, community groups, and our network of Local Sports Partnerships.
“The work undertaken in the pilot phase has laid a solid foundation for the wider rollout of Local Sports Plans across Ireland. The collaborative efforts of local authorities, sport partnerships, and key stakeholders have resulted in practical, actionable plans that can be adapted and adopted nationwide.”
Sport Ireland is supporting local authorities in creating tailored sports plans that reflect the unique needs of their communities. Working with Clare, Carlow, Cavan and Laois County Councils in a pilot project, Sport Ireland has helped them to develop their local sports plans as well as the national framework templates. These plans are now in the final stages and are expected to be approved in the coming months.
The framework provides a comprehensive, flexible template to guide each local authority in developing its own Local Sports Plan, fostering greater local engagement and participation in sport. It will reduce the burden on local authorities – which already do important work in the provision of public services and facilities – while allowing for tailored local adaptations.
Sport Ireland Director of Participation Louise Burke said: “Sport has the power to unite communities, improve health outcomes, and enhance local economies. Through these Local Sports Plans, we are taking a critical step toward making sport a central part of every Irish community’s fabric.”
The development of Local Sports Plans is not only a key component of the National Sports Policy but also part of Ireland’s broader strategy to encourage greater participation rates in sport. Sport Ireland looks forward to working with local authorities and supporting them as they develop their own sports plans.
The Government’s support for this initiative highlights the substantial impact of sport and physical activity on the physical and mental health of people and its significant role in local economic and community development.
For more information about the National Sports Policy and to access the Local Sports Plans templates visit www.sportireland.ie/localsportsplan