Sport Ireland has launched its national framework to support local authorities in developing and implementing Local Sports Plans.
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.
The initiative is a key action of the Government’s National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the recently published Sports Action Plan 2024 – 2027.
The aim is to look in local detail across the country at how local authorities, local sports partnerships and local stakeholders from clubs to volunteers can increase participation in sport and physical activity, ensuring that every community in Ireland has access to the lifelong benefits of an active lifestyle.
Stakeholders
A gathering of stakeholders took place at the Sport Ireland campus yesterday, including representation from National Governing Bodies.
We heard from Clare, Carlow, Cavan and Laois County Councils who had been selected for pilot projects and I spoke, as Chair of the Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership on the different challenges facing large urban communities.
We also heard from Graham Doyle and Fergal O’Coigligh, Secretary generals of the Departments responsible for Local Authorities and Sport on the importance of the plans and how they might be supported.
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 for Business and Core have been consulting on the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown plan which is expected to be adopted in the coming weeks by the local authority with the highest levels of participation in the country.
Milestone
“This is an important milestone in ensuring that sport is accessible to all communities in the country,” said Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May.
“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.”
Enhance
“Sport has the power to unite communities, improve health outcomes, and enhance local economies,” added Director of Participation Louise Burke.
“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.”
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.