Sport Ireland, the authority responsible for the development of sport in Ireland, has today welcomed the launch of ‘Get Ireland Active’, the definitive resource for information, advice, directions, and tips for people of all ages and abilities anywhere in the country to get active and take full advantage of the amenities around them.

The first project of its kind in Ireland, ‘Get Ireland Active’ brings together the collective resources of the Government of Ireland, Sport Ireland, local authorities, state agencies, local sports partnerships, and Irish sport’s national governing bodies to capture all sports facilities and places for people to be active in Ireland in one free, convenient, and comprehensive website, with an app due to launch in 2024.

There are already well over 10,000 opportunities to be active in the database, including 6,000 clubs, 4,000 locations, and 1,000 trails. Data has come from over 60 authoritative sources, with more coming on board every day.

Get Ireland Active connects everyone who wants to move and be active with every resource around that can help them begin, improve, or supercharge their activity journey.

The database includes up-to-date, accurate information on opportunities to be active in Ireland. These include Sports and recreation facilities; public places such as playgrounds; and trails for walking, running, and biking. Each search can be filtered to check accessibility as well as amenities such as parking and changing facilities.

There are contact details for each of the clubs which should enable a greater ease of getting involved.

 

 

The potential this database gives to local authorities and national governing bodies to plan for current and future club and facility development is significant.

Layers of planning applications, zoning, and travel proposals will help to create a rounded approach to providing accessible sports and physical activity opportunities to everyone with access to a computer or a smartphone.  There are links to Google Maps to make it easy to physically reach a location.

The acid test for innovation is when you can wonder why this was not available before and the Get Ireland Active initiative passes that already, with the prospect of it only getting better.

Entries can be uploaded but have to be approved by recognised sources including Local Authorities or National Governing Bodies so that the integrity of the service is maintained at a high service.

People will inevitably go to their own local area to run a sense check on what is available.   There will inevitably be a few gaps and a few teething problems but a database of this size will always have some quirks and we need to embrace what is there and what is possible rather than indulge in dismissing it because it is not perfect.

There are a few little quirky items, with GAA, LGFA, and Camogie joined by Pitch and Putt in the Gaelic Games / Irish Games section but when you think about it what is wrong with that?

This is a rabbit hole that could take up hours of your day, which will help in terms of finding the best places to walk when on holiday and will in time improve the ability of all those who offer sports and physical activity facilities to provide a better service to everyone.  That is a win, win, win.

 

Reactions to the launch:

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD

“The launch of this new website will bring together everyone who wants to be more active with all the resources and amenities that can help them on their activity journey. The delivery of this new database marks the completion of an important action on the National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027. This facilities audit will also help to guide decisions regarding the sport capital projects which will be prioritised for public funding.”

Minister for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD

“The launch of the Get Ireland Active database represents a watershed moment for the enjoyment and development of sport and physical activity in our communities. Get Ireland Active is the first project of its kind in Ireland, creating a free, convenient, and comprehensive website of opportunities available to the Irish public. The new website brings together the collective resources of Government, Sport Ireland, local authorities, local sports partnerships, and Irish sport’s national governing bodies meaning that people all across Ireland can choose from over 10,000 options to get active. I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of this fantastic new resource.”

Minister for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton TD

“Healthy Ireland has at its core a vision of a society that facilitates, supports and promotes physical activity and an active way of life. Get Ireland Active will be integral to achieving that vision, by equipping the Irish public with the information and tools to participate in local physical activity opportunities and I am hugely excited by its potential.”

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD

“I am delighted to support this valuable initiative through the Dormant Accounts Fund.  Get Ireland Active will be a key tool for people to access information on recreation amenities in a clear, accessible way. In line with the objective of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, this new website will raise awareness of the vast array of sport and recreation activities available locally whilst encouraging responsible behaviour in the great outdoors.”

Chairperson of Sport Ireland, John Foley

“On behalf of the board of Sport Ireland, I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the development of the Get Ireland Active website. The establishment of a comprehensive National Database of Sport and Recreation Facilities, which catalogues amenities across the country, is a critical step towards achieving the objectives outlined in the National Sports Policy. The project has required detailed collaboration between many stakeholders including the Government, Local Authorities and the National Governing Bodies of sport. This database will serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in leading a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Dr Úna May

“The launch of Get Ireland Active is the culmination of an enormous amount of work from the sports sector, Government, and local authorities. We believe there’s something in it for everyone and ask that people take the time to use this resource to explore all the ways they can get active in their local area. Hopefully, many people will find something new to try that will ignite a lifelong passion for being active.”