Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
200. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the actions being taken to increase participation in sport and physical activity across Cork, particularly among young people, women and disadvantaged communities; and if he will outline the funding and programme supports available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4074/26]
View answerIncreasing participation levels in sport among all cohorts is a key objective of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and is a priority for me in my role as Minister for Sport.
The results of the Irish Sports Monitor 2024 survey revealed that active sports participation has reached record levels, with 49% of the population now taking part in sport on a weekly basis. The increase means that Ireland is on track to achieve the target set out in the National Sports Policy that 50% of adults actively participate in sport by 2027.
Despite the significant progress made to date and the growth in participation rates among both men and women, the Sports Monitor results indicate that the gender participation gap remains at just under 3%. Last year Sport Ireland announced an investment of €4 million under the Women in Sport programme for 2025. This is critical funding and my Department will continue to support programmes to increase women’s participation in all sports to eliminate the gender participation gap by 2027 as outlined in the National Sports Policy.
Sport Ireland's network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) also plays a crucial role in increasing participation levels in sport and physical activity particularly in underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. The LSPs deliver targeted programmes to a range of cohorts including young persons, the unemployed, and those living in disadvantaged communities.
In 2025, the LSP network, which includes the Cork Sports Partnership, received €11,945,000 in core funding and this was supplemented by additional investment from other funding streams, including Dormant Accounts Funding (DAF) and the European Social Fund (ESF+) Programme.
Through DAF, LSPs can connect national funding priorities with local community needs, ensuring funding reaches the groups, clubs and people that need it most. Funding totalling €1.32 million was allocated in 2025 to support 29 existing Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs along with the funding of four new Hubs. Led by LSPs, the Hubs will promote local engagement in sport and physical activity to assist disadvantaged areas. An additional €280,000 will go to the Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives, a fund that aims to provide outdoor adventure sports opportunities for disadvantaged communities and at-risk youth.
Despite recent progress, there is an enduring participation gap in sport between persons with either a long-term illness or a disability and those without such illness or disability. Both the Government and Sport Ireland are committed to making this participation gap a thing of the past.
Increased funding of €1million was allocated in Budget 2025 to establish a new and dedicated Disability in Sport funding stream. The Disability in Sport Lead who was appointed in February 2025, is collaborating with National Government Bodies (NGBs), LSPs, and other funded organisations, developing programmes aimed at promoting accessibility and participation for individuals with disabilities.
As Minister for Sport, I will continue to promote sport to all cohorts and work to remove any barrier to participation.
