Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
483. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the actions being taken to improve participation in sport and physical activity among young people, particularly in disadvantaged and rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33398/26]
View answerIncreasing participation levels in sport among all cohorts is a key objective of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (NSP) and is a priority for me in my role as Minister for Sport
Sport Ireland's network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) plays a crucial role in implementing the NSP and increasing participation levels in sport and physical activity particularly in underrepresented and at-risk groups in all parts of the country.
The LSPs deliver targeted programmes to a range of cohorts including young persons, the unemployed, and those living in disadvantaged communities.
In 2026, the LSP network received €12,655,000 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.
Sport Ireland has successfully applied to the European Social Fund (ESF+) Programme 2021-2027 and has been awarded €11 million for implementation of a social innovation and inclusion programme over the lifetime of the Programme. The ESF+ funding has enabled Sport Ireland to establish the Sport4Empowerment (S4E) Programme which aims to use sport and physical activity as a tool for social inclusion and empowerment. S4E targets four population cohorts, including youth at risk and persons from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The programme is delivered through Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships, with ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officers currently based in 24 LSPs. The Officers are responsible for the piloting and implementation of range of new targeted programmes which aim to enhance the wellbeing, education, and economic prospects of participants.
As Minister for Sport, I will continue to promote sport to all cohorts and work to remove any barrier to participation.
