Money will help to develop network of programmes aimed at increasing physical activity.
Limerick Sports Partnership has received significant funding from Sport Ireland following an announcement by the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin.
A total of €355,576 has been allocated to Limerick Sports Partnership, which is the largest figure in the country. [See partnership breakdown below].
Overall Sport Ireland has announced an investment package of €6.07 million to support the national network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).
Phelim Macken, Sports Coordinator with Limerick Sports Partnership said “We are delighted to secure this funding to help sustain and deliver new and existing programmes and educational opportunities that promote and increases participation in physical activity throughout Limerick.”
“These programmes and educational opportunities are specific to the following target groups: older adults, disadvantaged communities, women and teenage girls, new communities and members of the travelling community.”
“These target groups are identified due to low participation in both educational and physical activity opportunities. Limerick has received the highest allocation from Sport Ireland which is in recognition of the excellent partnerships that exist with local agencies coupled with the excellent reputation of LSP Staff, tutors and facilitators.”
A total of €6,074,333 will be allocated to support the core work of the 29 LSPs, 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.
Minister Brendan Griffin “The role of the Local Sports Partnerships in increasing participation, particularly among those sectors of society that are underrepresented in sport, cannot be overstated.”
“I want to commend the vital work they do which makes a substantial contribution to the health and welfare of individuals, communities and the nation. The significant Government investment will allow the Sports 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 and women, people with disabilities, unemployed people, and those who live in identified disadvantaged communities.
Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey said: “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. One of the fundamental principles of the Local Sports Partnerships is to remove any barrier that prevents participation in sport and the investment will support the LSPs in the continued roll-out of programmes and initiatives which will get more people active on a regular basis.”
Nationally throughout 2017, 339,615 people participated in 936 participation programmes delivered locally by LSPs, with 18,000 participants taking part in the Operation Transformation 5k Fun Runs and Walks and 13,063 cyclists taking part in the Sport Ireland Cycle Series.
2017 also saw 13,274 female participants taking part in 71 local Women in Sport programmes. This year €115,000 will be specifically invested in LSPs through the Women in Sport Programme, which aims to raise the overall physical activity levels among women.
Speaking at the announcement John Treacy, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, commented: “In 2017, Sport Ireland successfully secured €5m in Dormant Accounts Funding, with over €2.5m directly benefiting Local Sports Partnerships projects across Ireland. Through this investment Sport Ireland will continue its work to increase participation across the country through a range of programmes and initiatives implemented by the Local Sports Partnerships. 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.”