Empowering Communities: Fresh Funding for Local Sports Partnerships Supports Youth Leadership, Volunteer Supports, and Girls Get Active Initiatives
Sport Ireland is thrilled to welcome a significant investment package of €4.86million of Dormant Accounts Funding for Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland approved by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, and the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD.
The Dormant Accounts Fund enables unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised to support the development of individuals who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.
This funding will be allocated to a wide range of sport and physical activity measures throughout Ireland. The areas of focus include Youth Leadership, Volunteer Supports, Disability Training, Girls Get Active, Urban Outdoor Adventure Hubs, Active Cities, Community Sports, and Physical Activity Hubs.
Sport Ireland will work in conjunction with Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland to deliver these initiatives which will contribute towards the objectives of the National Physical Activity Plan.
Among the exciting projects benefiting from this funding is the introduction of free equipment-sharing lockers, known as 'BoxUp', in parks and communities across five major cities in Ireland. These cities include Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford. These lockers aim to tackle inequality in sport by providing everyone with free access to sporting equipment, ensuring that all individuals can engage in physical activity.
Additionally, the Dormant Accounts Funding will support Sport Ireland's Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiative, which aims to create greater opportunities for people living in urban areas to participate in physical activity through adventure sports. This initiative has already positively impacted programmes like Longford Sports Partnerships Parkour program for teenagers and young people.
Speaking about the new round of Dormant Account Funding, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said: "The Government's commitment to bringing the benefits of sport and physical activity to those experiencing disadvantage or with disabilities is demonstrated in this latest round of funding. The €4.86 million programme of measures will help address inequalities in sports participation, in particular among those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. A particular highlight is the Girls Get Active initiative. Too many girls stop participating in sport during their teenage years and I hope that this programme will help to reverse this trend.”
Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne TD added: “It is a great pleasure to announce this significant investment in Dormant Accounts Funding for disadvantaged communities as we strive to make sport more accessible for all. I am excited about the range and variability of this programme which covers Youth Leadership, Volunteer Supports, Disability Training, and other aspects specific to the target communities. In addition to this funding package, we are also currently inviting applications from sports clubs for funding to undertake a range of initiatives to promote greater involvement in sport by people with a disability. As with last year, €2 million is again being specifically set aside by Sport Ireland to initiate, advance or accelerate local disability initiatives within the Club Networks and Affiliates of the National Governing Bodies of Sport. It’s a great opportunity for sports clubs to improve their sport offering for people with a disability. I strongly encourage eligible sports clubs to contact their parent NGBs in advance of the 6 October deadline for applications.”
Joe O’Brien, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, who has delegated responsibility for the Dormant Account Fund, welcomed the announcement of the disbursement of dormant funds for these sports measures. Minister O’Brien said: "Funding for dormant accounts has a tangible impact on both individuals and communities throughout the nation. In particular the funding announced today will help support those living with disadvantage or with disabilities to have greater opportunities to participate in activities they have a passion for. These sporting initiatives will contribute to boosting engagement in physical activities within our local communities."
Dr Úna May CEO of Sport Ireland said “Our vision is for an active Ireland where everyone can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity. We are thrilled to announce this investment package of €4.86m as part of our ongoing Dormant Accounts Funding. This investment will help us to promote and develop sport and physical activity across the country, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to engage in these activities. Sport Ireland work with Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland to deliver the initiatives through this round of funding.”
This is just the beginning, as Sport Ireland is excited to announce a second round of Dormant Accounts Funding later this year. With this additional funding, Sport Ireland aims to further enhance and expand its initiatives to reach even more individuals and communities throughout Ireland.