Over €5m in funding for Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland announced by Minister Martin and Minister Byrne

More than €5m in Dormant Accounts Funding is to be awarded to Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland in 2024, as announced today (9 September, 2024) by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin said: “The announcement of the Dormant Accounts Fund allocation will support a range of excellent work across the country and is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusivity and well-being through sports and physical activities.

“This funding will empower innovative projects that support volunteers in disadvantaged areas, promote women's participation in sports, and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By championing a ‘Sport for All’ ethos, we aim to create a healthier and more active Ireland for everyone.”

The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht Thomas Byrne said: “The Olympics and Paralympics have provided us with so many memorable sporting moments over the last few weeks but ultimately, involvement in sport begins at the grassroots and that is why it is so important for us to support the valuable work of our Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland. Everyone, of every ability, should enjoy the right to participate in sport and this €5 million allocation from the Dormant Accounts Fund represents a significant milestone in our efforts to make sport accessible to all members of our community.

“These investments will drive a broad range of projects countrywide that will encourage widespread participation in physical activities, particularly benefiting underprivileged areas, women, and people with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy the numerous health benefits of being active in sport, and this funding is a crucial part of achieving that vision.”

The areas of focus include community sports and physical activity hubs, education and training hubs with volunteer supports as a priority and sports measures for disadvantaged communities to support the National Sports Policy and National Physical Activity Plan.

Recognising the invaluable contributions of volunteers in Irish sport, funding is allocated to provide volunteer supports aligned with the key actions of the Volunteering in Sport Policy.

Funding will be allocated to projects that empower volunteers, including youth leadership training, coaching and development programmes and targeted training for volunteers who are from or who work in disadvantaged areas and/or with people with disabilities.

Dormant Accounts Funding will also enable Active Disability Ireland to continue to work with Local Sports Partnerships in delivering training designed to build awareness around people with disabilities participating in community sport and physical activity. Additionally, the Sports Inclusion Disability Fund aims to reduce barriers to sports participation for people with a disability through minor infrastructure development and the provision of equipment.

This funding is also delivering key objectives from the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan for 2024, which is being overseen by the Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien, under the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012.

Joe O’Brien, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, said:“The Dormant Accounts Fund allocation announced today is a crucial investment in our communities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.

“This funding will support a range of projects designed to promote physical activity and sports for all, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or ability, has the opportunity to participate.”

Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “We are very happy to announce this investment package of €5.1m as part of our continuing commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports and physical activities across Ireland.

“This funding is all about bridging gaps, ensuring everyone can lead active, healthier lives regardless of their background.”

About the Dormant Accounts Fund

The Dormant Accounts Fund enables unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be used to support the development of persons who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability, within the meaning of the Equal Status Act.

The total distribution of funding will be as follows: