Limerick has become the first city in Ireland to officially be awarded Global Active City status, an internationally recognised quality mark that reflects the city’s strong and sustained commitment to physical activity, health and wellbeing.
The designation follows a rigorous 18-month assessment process and places Limerick among an elite group of eleven cities worldwide recognised for excellence in promoting active, healthy lifestyles through strategic planning, inclusive programmes and cross-community collaboration.
The Global Active City framework is aligned with ISO 9000–compatible standards and was originally developed in partnership with leading global organisations including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), UNESCO, and the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside other international partners.
The certification process was led by Limerick Sports Partnership, which coordinated the submission, assessment and stakeholder engagement on behalf of the city. The process commenced with a comprehensive Discovery Questionnaire and was followed by a series of online and in-person audits conducted by the certification body, the Active Wellbeing Initiative. The designation was formally confirmed at a certification event in Rotterdam on 27th November 2025.
Speaking following the announcement, Phelim Macken, Manager of Limerick Sports Partnership, said:
“Achieving Global Active City status is a significant milestone for Limerick and a strong endorsement of the collective work taking place across the city and county to make physical activity accessible to everyone. Limerick Sports Partnership was proud to lead this process, working closely with partners to demonstrate how sport, physical activity and wellbeing are embedded across policy, programmes and communities.”
A defining feature of Limerick’s successful application was the high level of collaboration across agencies and sectors. Significant contributions were made throughout the auditing process by Limerick City & County Council, the HSE, Limerick City and County Council’s Active Travel team, the University of Limerick, and a wide range of local community and voluntary organisations.
Pat Quigley, Active Cities Officer, highlighted the importance of this collective approach:
“What stood out during the certification process was the depth of collaboration and shared ambition across Limerick. Global Active City status recognises not just individual initiatives, but a whole-system approach to active living — from infrastructure and active travel to community programmes, health services and education.”
Limerick has already delivered a broad range of programmes, policies and infrastructure initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to participation, increasing physical activity levels, promoting social connection and supporting long-term health outcomes for people of all ages and abilities.
The achievement of Global Active City status provides a strong international benchmark for this work and a platform to build on existing progress, further embedding physical activity, sport and wellbeing into everyday life across the city and county.