Ring, Mulvey, TreacyCommunity sports projects are to receive an investment stimulus of over €2 million obtained from the Dormant Accounts Fund.
The package was announced yesterday by Minister of State Michael Ring and is being allocated to establish Community Sport and Physical Activity hubs across the country and create a National Sports Education and Training hub.
The investment will be administered by the Irish Sports Council and will aim to engage with communities across the country, targeting people with disabilities, people who are educationally disadvantaged and disadvantaged communities.
“I believe it is extremely important that people are encouraged and given opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity,” said Minister Ring.
“Participation will lead to a healthier society and an overall improvement in the quality of life. These innovative hubs will support the sustainable development of sporting opportunities in communities across Ireland.”
“The aim of the Community Sport and Physical Activity Hubs is to bring local people together and provide a home for local clubs and sports organisations,” added Irish Sports Council Chairman Kieran Mulvey.
“Supported by the Council’s network of Local Sports Partnerships, these hubs will provide information, support and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities and make it easier for people to get involved and engage in a more active and healthier lifestyle”.
Breakdown of funding
Community Sport and Physical Activity Hubs in disadvantaged areas
– €662,000 which includes capital funding of €469,000 is being allocated to 9 Local Sports Partnerships to establish Community Sport and Physical Activity Hubs
National Sport Education and Training Hub
– €871,500 allocated to 27 LSPs to deliver 55 Community Coaching courses for jobseekers
– €212,000 allocated to the Cara Adapted Physical Activity Centre within the Institute of Technology Tralee to support the development and delivery of specialised disability training courses
Further funding of €344,120 is being directly allocated to the Irish Sports Council for the development of an Educational and Career Framework, the delivery of a number of other targeted programmes including support for youth coaching and volunteers; e-learning programmes; and towards the administrative costs of these new measures.