Sport Ireland host European Structural and Investment Funds Webinar
Sport Ireland recently hosted a webinar as part of the European Union SHARE initiative. The SHARE initiative aims to promote opportunities for the development of sport and physical activity in member states using European funding.
The first of its kind, the webinar brought together stakeholders within the sport and physical activity sector in Ireland and representatives involved with the planning and implementation of European Structural and Investment Funds.( ESIF)
The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are made up of five separate funds. The two main funds that offer the best opportunities for sport are the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).While a general framework for the funds is established at a European Level, each Member State is responsible for developing a national plan which is rolled out as more specific “Programmes” by regional authorities.
In Ireland, the Departments responsible for the design and management of both the ERDF and ESF+ programmes are the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Education and Skills. Regional Development Assemblies also play an important role in the implementation of programmes along with a number of other agencies.
Sport Ireland hosted the webinar to bring together the responsible authorities for ESIF programmes in Ireland with sporting organisations and other key stakeholders of sport in Ireland at this, critical planning phase of the next programming period, which will operate from 2021 to 2027.
By bringing the network of Regional Development Authorities and their research teams together with sports organisations and stakeholders, Sport Ireland aims to create awareness of the needs of sport in Ireland and explore opportunities for development. Engagement at the planning phase will also ensure that the plans laid out in the National Sports Policy 2018 -2027 are replicated in future European funded programmes.
We are delighted to have worked closely with the SHARE Network on this event, which is extremely import in raising awareness about opportunities for sport under European funding streams.
The webinar, opened by Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy, began with a detailed overview of investment in sport in Ireland by Ken Spratt, Assistant Secretary General for Tourism and Sport. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the strategic plans, including the vision for sport in Ireland by James Lavelle, Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport.
The morning session concluded with a presentation from Dr. Una May, Director of Participation and Ethics, Sport Ireland on the structure and work of Sport Ireland before representatives from the European Funds and the Deputy Head of Sport from the European Commission, Marisa Fernandez Esteban, updated attendees on the importance of sport across all EU countries. Delegates also heard from Mike Coyne from the SHARE network and Dr Gary Ryan from the University of Limerick on his work in the development of research and development clusters for sport, innovation and SME’s.
Speaking of the webinar, Dr. Una May, Sport Ireland commented
“We are delighted to have worked closely with the SHARE Network on this event, which is extremely import in raising awareness about opportunities for sport under European funding streams. We are pleased with the reaction to the event and will work closely with the managing authorities for both ERDF and ESF+ in Ireland over the coming months”
An engaging day of discussions and presentations, the webinar allowed sporting organisations and stakeholders to engage with the managing authorities for ERDF and ESF funding in Ireland.
Sport Ireland will continue to engage with all the stakeholders, contributing to the consultation process on both ERDF and ESF+ over the coming months, ensuring that sport and physical activity in Ireland is considered and included in the next programme.