Sport Ireland has announced €4.86million of Dormant Accounts Funding directed towards Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland.
The Dormant Accounts Fund enables unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised to support the development of individuals who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.
It is a particularly important funding stream for the Local Sports Partnerships operating in every county around the country.
The 2023 funding will be allocated to a wide range of sport and physical activity measures throughout Ireland. The areas of focus include €203,000 towards Youth Leadership, €297,000 towards Volunteer Supports, €850,000 towards Disability Training and Projects, €300,000 to the Her Moves / Girls Get Active project, €440,000 towards Urban Outdoor Adventure Hubs, €1 million towards Active Cities, €1.57 million towards Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs.
Among the exciting projects benefiting from this funding is the introduction of free equipment-sharing lockers, known as ‘BoxUp’, in parks and communities in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford.
These lockers aim to tackle inequality in sport by providing everyone with free access to sporting equipment, ensuring that all individuals can engage in physical activity.
Rob Hartnett of Sport for Business as Chair of the Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership will, together with the Lord Mayor’s office, formally launch the latest of these in Cabra later today.
The Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiative aims to create greater opportunities for people living in urban areas to participate in physical activity through adventure sports. This initiative has already positively impacted programmes like Longford Sports Partnerships Parkour program for teenagers and young people.
“The Government’s commitment to bringing the benefits of sport and physical activity to those experiencing disadvantage or with disabilities is demonstrated in this latest round of funding,” said Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.
“The €4.86 million programme of measures will help address inequalities in sports participation, in particular among those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. A particular highlight is the Girls Get Active initiative. Too many girls stop participating in sport during their teenage years and I hope that this programme will help to reverse this trend.”
“It is a great pleasure to announce this significant investment in Dormant Accounts Funding for disadvantaged communities as we strive to make sport more accessible for all,” added Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne.
“I am excited about the range and variability of this programme which covers Youth Leadership, Volunteer Supports, Disability Training, and other aspects specific to the target communities.”
“In addition to this funding package, we are also currently inviting applications from sports clubs for funding to undertake a range of initiatives to promote greater involvement in sport by people with a disability. As with last year, €2 million is again being specifically set aside by Sport Ireland to initiate, advance or accelerate local disability initiatives within the Club Networks and Affiliates of the National Governing Bodies of Sport.”
“It’s a great opportunity for sports clubs to improve their sport offering for people with a disability. I strongly encourage eligible sports clubs to contact their parent NGBs in advance of the 6 October deadline for applications.”
“Funding for dormant accounts has a tangible impact on both individuals and communities throughout the nation,” added Joe O’Brien, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, who has delegated responsibility for the Dormant Account Fund.
“In particular the funding announced today will help support those living with disadvantage or with disabilities to have greater opportunities to participate in activities they have a passion for. These sporting initiatives will contribute to boosting engagement in physical activities within our local communities.”
This is the first tranche of funding under the scheme with a second wave of disbursements scheduled to be annoubnced before the end of the year.
“Our vision is for an active Ireland where everyone can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity,” said Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May.
“We are thrilled to announce this investment package of €4.86m as part of our ongoing Dormant Accounts Funding.”
“This investment will help us to promote and develop sport and physical activity across the country, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to engage in these activities. Sport Ireland works with Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland to deliver the initiatives through this round of funding.”
