Cork receives highest allocation in new sports funding package 

Cork has secured the highest allocation in a sports funding package which Tánaiste Micheál Martin said will “increase inclusivity and help make sport more accessible for everyone in our community”.

Sports Minister Catherine Martin together with Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne yesterday announced that more than €5m in Dormant Accounts Funding is to be awarded to Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland in 2024.

Of that, €425,000 has been allocated to Cork.

The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

Welcoming the funding for projects in Cork, the Tánaiste told The Echo:“We have just witnessed the power of sport to unite and inspire during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, where Team Ireland did us so proud.

“Those achievements at the highest level couldn’t happen without investment in grassroots sport.

“I very much welcome the €425,000 investment from the Dormant Accounts fund in a range of sporting facilities and organisations in Cork, to increase inclusivity and help make sport more accessible for everyone in our community.” 

Projects 

The areas of focus include community sports and physical activity hubs, education and training hubs with volunteer supports as a priority and sports measures for disadvantaged communities to support the National Sports Policy and National Physical Activity Plan.

Funding will be allocated to projects that empower volunteers, including youth leadership training, coaching and development programmes and targeted training for volunteers who are from or who work in disadvantaged areas and/or with people with disabilities.

Dormant Accounts Funding will also enable Active Disability Ireland to continue to work with Local Sports Partnerships in delivering training designed to build awareness around people with disabilities participating in community sport and physical activity.

Additionally, the Sports Inclusion Disability Fund aims to reduce barriers to sports participation for people with a disability through minor infrastructure development and the provision of equipment.

'A significant milestone'

Speaking yesterday Ms Martin said the funding will “empower innovative projects that support volunteers in disadvantaged areas, promote women's participation in sports, and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“By championing a ‘Sport for All’ ethos, we aim to create a healthier and more active Ireland for everyone,” she said.

Meanwhile Mr Byrne said the funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund represents a “significant milestone” in the Government’s efforts to make sport more accessible.

“These investments will drive a broad range of projects countrywide that will encourage widespread participation in physical activities, particularly benefiting underprivileged areas, women, and people with disabilities.

“Our goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy the numerous health benefits of being active in sport, and this funding is a crucial part of achieving that vision.”