€105,000 for Waterford under the Active Cities Programme
Press Release, 9th September 2024
Waterford T.D. Marc Ó Cathasaigh welcomed the investment into sports and physical activity in Waterford under the Active Cities programme to the tune of €105,000, with a view to creating an environment where physical activity can happen, leading to healthier lifestyles.
The funding aims to enhance physical activity levels across Ireland’s cities, particularly targeting socio-economically disadvantaged areas and marginalised communities, including people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Ó Cathasaigh said “Investment in our Local Sports Partnerships is vital. This funding should be seen as much as a Preventative Health fund as well as a sports investment fund. Prevention is better than cure. The investment in Waterford under the Active Cities programme will help improve the health of all our residents – our physical, mental and social health. Many of us are caught up in such a sedentary lifestyle or are excluded from physical activity by nature of a chronic illness or disability. We need to build back physical activity into our normal daily lives, and help make it that bit easier for everyone to participate in that.”
The funding is being made available from the Dormant Accounts Funding which 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.
Additional funding was announced for Waterford Local Sports Partnership under the Sports Inclusion Disability Projects capital supports, which aims to reduce barriers to sports participation for people with a disability through minor infrastructure development and the provision of equipment, with the announcement of €19200 funding for the People Park Playground in Waterford City and the Tramore Inclusion Playground.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin said: “Today’s announcement of the Dormant Accounts Fund allocation will support a range of excellent work across the country and is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusivity and well-being through sports and physical activities.
“This 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.”
