Funding for the network of Local Sports Partnerships across the country is to increase from €5.1 million in 2016 to €5.9 million this year
This funding will support the core work of the 29 LSP’s; including the delivery of National Programmes, Education & Training initiatives, Strategic Development, Community Sports Development Officers, the Sports Inclusion Disability programme, Women in Sport Programmes and general participation programmes.
Speaking at the announcement of the funding in Limerick on Friday Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said: “The vital work of the Local Sports Partnership Network in increasing participation, particularly among those sectors of society that are underrepresented in sport, makes a substantial contribution to the health and welfare of individuals, communities and the nation.”
“The significant Government investment announced today will allow the Partnerships to continue to provide many sporting opportunities for people in local communities right across Ireland.”
The key aims of the LSPs are to increase levels of participation in sport especially amongst specific target groups such as older people, girls & women, people with disabilities, unemployed people, and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities.
To ensure that people with disabilities are provided with the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity, 20 LSP’s will be supported with Sports Inclusion Disability Officers.
22 LSPs will be supported with Community Sports Development Officers, which will strengthen the capacity of the LSP’s to further develop locally led plans and more long-term sustainable physical activity programmes under the National Physical Activity Plan.
Read more about Sport Ireland’s High Performance Funding for 2017
“Sport Ireland has always placed a particular emphasis on ensuring sport is progressive and attracts participants from every corner of Ireland, from every age group and from all social backgrounds,” said Sport Ireland Chairman Kieran Mulvey.
“One of the fundamental principles of the Local Sports Partnerships is to remove any barrier that prevents participation in sport and today’s investment will support the LSPs in the continued roll-out of programmes and initiatives which will get more people active on a regular basis.”
Throughout 2016, 291,947 people participated in 861 participation programmes delivered locally by LSP’s, with 18,500 participants taking part in the Operation Transformation 5k Fun Runs and Walks and 15,500 cyclists taking part in the An Post Cycle Series.
2016 also saw 10,404 female participants taking part in 70 local Women in Sport programmes. This year a similar €115,000 will be invested in LSP’s through the Women in Sport Programme, which aims to raise the overall physical activity levels among women.
“Through this investment Sport Ireland will continue its work to increase participation across the country through range of programmes and initiatives implemented by the Local Sports Partnerships,” concluded Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy.
“Sport Ireland warmly welcomes the support and contributions given to the Local Sports Partnership Network by statutory, community and voluntary groups right across the country.”
The main increases in funding in 2017 appear to come across the smaller counties with the larger local authority areas remaining broadly in line with last year.
