Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
50. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport given the Government’s commitment to promote the uptake of sport and physical activity by all citizens, if he will undertake a review of the available outdoor recreational spaces in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33412/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2024 Irish Sports Monitor indicated that participation levels in sport had reached the highest level ever recorded, with 49% of the population taking part on a weekly basis. The rise in active sports participation rates means that we remain on track to achieve the 50% target set out in the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 (NSP).
Availability and ease of access to sports facilities, whether in a club setting, on public lands or in other amenity areas, is a key factor in drawing more people to participate in sport.
The need to catalogue sports facilities, both indoor and outdoor, to address shortages in areas that are currently underserved was first raised in the NSP which recognised the importance of having an up-to-date database of sports facilities as the basis for a more long-term planned approach to facility investment for all stakeholders.
To facilitate this, the Get Ireland Active database was developed by Sport Ireland in 2023 and represents the first phase of a comprehensive national database of sports facilities.
It can be accessed online on by downloading a mobile application and consists of more than 15,000 opportunities to be active across the country, including sports and recreation facilities, public places such as playgrounds and trails for walking, running and biking.
Get Ireland Active is currently undergoing further development and, once complete, Sport Ireland intends to launch a promotional campaign to raise awareness of the benefits that it can offer.
More generally, the provision and identification of recreational areas and spaces is a key function of local government as part of the development planning process. Under the Planning and Development Act 2024 local authorities are obliged to consult with Sport Ireland when developing their plans.
As Minister for Sport, I will continue to promote sport to all cohorts and work to remove any barrier to their participation.
