More than €4m in Dormant Accounts Funding is to be invested in community sports and physical activity initiatives, the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport and Sport Ireland are pleased to announce.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities Jerry Buttimer TD, and Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May have welcomed the investment of €4.17m, which will support a range of vital work across Ireland.
Minister O’Donovan said: “I am pleased to see €4.17 million in Dormant Accounts Funding going to sporting bodies across the country.
“Every person should have the opportunity to participate in sport, and this funding will help to ensure that new opportunities and new sports are opened to people of all abilities and backgrounds across this country. Sport plays a vital role in social inclusion, however, there is more work to do for people with disabilities and this funding will help drive this work forward.”
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.
Laois Sports Partnership CEO Caroline Myers said:
Receiving this €205,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund is a tremendous boost for Laois Sports Partnership.
This funding will enable us to expand our reach and make a real difference in our community. By supporting local volunteers, promoting women’s participation in sports, and providing inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities, we are creating a more active and equal future for everyone in Laois.
We are proud to be part of the nationwide effort to build stronger, healthier communities through sport.
Minister Charlie McConalogue said: “To achieve the Government’s goal of getting more people involved in sport, we need more capacity in our sports system. I am therefore particularly happy to see funding towards programmes for volunteers and upskilling in this year’s first tranche of dormant accounts funding for sport.
“Our sports participation rates, both in terms of active participation and volunteering, are the highest they have ever been, and we must continue to work to maintain and grow these figures.”
Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) play a crucial role in implementing the National Sports Policy and increasing participation levels in sport and physical activity particularly in underrepresented groups. Through Dormant Accounts Funding, LSPs can connect national funding priorities with local community needs, ensuring funding reaches the groups, clubs and people that need it most.
Key areas of investment for 2025 will include Community Sports Hubs, Sports Inclusion Disability Projects, and Active Cities.
Funding totalling €1.32m will provide continued support to 29 existing Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs (Hubs) along with funding of 4 new Hubs in 2025. Led by LSPs, the Hubs will promote local engagement in sport and physical activity to assist disadvantaged areas.
Minister Jerry Buttimer said: “Sport is at the heart of communities up and down the country and I welcome this announcement of funding that will go towards a variety of community-based sporting initiatives across the country.
“The Local Sports Partnerships and Community Hubs developed by Sport Ireland reach out into every county, bringing opportunities and joy to people of all backgrounds. Through this funding I hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the benefits that sports participation and a healthy lifestyle can bring and feel included and welcomed in their communities.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “We are very happy to announce this investment package of €4.17m. This generous support is crucial in allowing our network of LSPs to continue their vital work of helping people to get active and remove barriers to sport and physical activity.
“This funding is all about bridging gaps and opening doors – ensuring that, regardless of background, everyone has the chance to lead a more active and healthier life. We are committed to creating pathways that enable everyone to embrace wellness and thrive through sport.”
The Sports Inclusion Disability Projects fund will receive €500,000 to reduce barriers to sports participation for individuals with disabilities through developing infrastructure.
Funding of €750,000 will go to The Active Cities initiative, which aims to promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles in the five largest cities in Ireland. Facilitated through eight LSPs, an Active City aims to make physical activity a normal part of daily life by providing sports programs for all ages and abilities.
In line with the Volunteer in Sport Policy, funding of €420,000 will be allocated to Volunteer Supports initiatives which focus on empowering volunteers in disadvantaged communities to enhance their leadership skills in sport.
Total funding of €300,000 will be awarded to Active Disability Ireland to support the expansion of eLearning Workshops to promote inclusive participation for people with disabilities. Active Disability Ireland will give special consideration to women and girls with disabilities in sport this year.
The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion fund will be awarded €500,000 to support impactful projects that remove barriers to participation in sport and physical activity for individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities.
Almost €280,000 will go to the Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives, a fund that aims to provide outdoor adventure sports opportunities for disadvantaged communities and at-risk youth.
Total funding of €100,000 will be allocated to the Her Moves Initiative, which seeks to empower adolescent girls to engage in sports and physical activities.