Sports programmes across the country are to benefit from an investment package of €6.1m in Tranche 1 Dormant Accounts Funding. This figure is €200,0000 more than the same funding stream in 2021.
This stream has been a valuable addition to the work being done by Local Sports Partnerships in every county, by CARA in the area of disability and inclusion and through Sport Ireland.
The investment will be used to engage groups across the country, focusing on people living in disadvantaged communities, people with a disability, women and girls, and people who are educationally disadvantaged.
Inclusion is a core value within sport, with sports inclusion disability projects also being prioritised within the funding.
“I am delighted to announce this significant investment of Dormant Accounts Funding to develop and promote participation initiatives aimed at disadvantaged communities,” said Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers.
“A few months ago, I had the privilege of launching a new €2 million fund for the provision by sports clubs of sport opportunities for people with disabilities. That new scheme attracted over 800 applications from sports clubs throughout the country, which are now being processed with allocations to be announced before the end of the year.”
“Today’s announcement of Dormant Accounts funding will enable us to provide further targeted measures to make sport available for all, not just for those that have easier access to sports facilities or can afford it.”
“I am really excited about the range and variability in this programme. Not only does the programme seek to address and promote decisive action on contemporary issues and challenges such as the importance of sport for at-risk youth in urban settings or in helping young people to cope with exam pressures, but there are also some very welcome initiatives aimed at securing longer-term benefits through youth leadership development and research studies into the unique problems presented in disadvantaged communities.”
This investment is closely aligned with the National Sports Policy and the National Physical Activity Plan, with the funding being disseminated into three areas of Community Sports and Physical Activities Hubs (CSPAHs); National Sport Education and Training; and Sports Measures for Disadvantaged Communities.
A particular emphasis is placed on implementing programmes to promote physical activity, making sport and physical activity accessible to people from diverse backgrounds, people with a disability and the development of programmes to address transitions and drop out from physical activity.
“This latest round of funding for the promotion and development of sport amongst those experiencing disadvantage or with a disability shows the Government’s determination to bring the benefits of sport and physical activity to these marginalised communities,” added Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.
“The Programme for Government agreed in 2020 highlighted the importance of putting sport at the heart of a flourishing community and it made a clear commitment to encourage and promote people’s personal health, wellbeing, and physical activity. This €6.1m programme of measures will help to address inequalities in sports participation, in particular among those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.”
“The Dormant Accounts Funding will enable Sport Ireland to further support our Local Sports Partnerships and Cara to provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their circumstances,” added Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May.
“The National Sports Policy 2018-2027 has provided the framework for Sport in Ireland to continue to grow and this investment through the LSPs and Cara will play an important part in increasing activity levels of people in Sport in Ireland and removing the barriers and preventative aspects for getting involved in sport.”
