New 'Amuigh Faoin Spéir' fund allocations confirmed

• €739,500 in funding confirmed for investment to enhance nature in sports projects
• Specific focus on improving biodiversity at outdoor sports infrastructure sites
• Allocations to 30 Local Sports Partnerships nationwide 

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has confirmed details of the allocations being made to local sports partnerships for biodiversity measures associated with sports facilities under the Participation Nation Outdoor Fund.

Total funding of almost €740,000 is being made available to 30 Local Sports Partnership to support nature connected projects at sports facilities that are open to community use. Examples of projects include biodiversity pollinator-friendly planting, safe nesting sites for birds, bees and bats, the installation of biodiversity ponds, hedgerow and tree planting as well as rainwater and bog gardens.

This is a parallel initiative to the outdoor sport equipment investment fund, the ‘Participation Nation Outdoor Fund’. Allocations under that initiative were confirmed by the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, yesterday.

The aim of the biodiversity measures confirmed today is to promote the enhancement and protection of nature with a specific focus on supporting the biodiversity of the surrounding environments on the land being used for outdoor sports equipment.

The fund will be overseen by the department and administered by Sport Ireland. 

Minister Martin said:

“When I announced the establishment of the “Amuigh Faoin Spéir” fund I pointed to the importance of connecting to nature and engaging in physical activity for our wellbeing. I am encouraged by the range of biodiversity projects which the local sports partnerships and Sport Ireland have brought forward. As we move forward with the Climate Action plan and the National Biodiversity Action Plan it is important that we take all available opportunities to improve the biodiversity of our surroundings.  This initiative is a good example of how we can seek to improve and enhance our natural environment when investing in other projects.

“Today’s allocations will see the development of a wide range of biodiversity measures which will enhance our environment including wildlife ponds, habitats for birds, bats and pollinators, community orchards and rain gardens. I know that communities will enjoy the use of outdoor sport equipment while also appreciating the surrounding natural environment.”

Any queries regarding the fund should be directed to participation@sportireland.ie