Director of Services Ann Dillon noted the Council’s commitment to supporting increased participation in sport and physical activity.  “We were instrumental in establishing the Offaly Sports Partnership over 20 years ago”, she said.  “We have been strategic in planning for walking, cycling, active travel and recreation in the county”, she added.  “The new sport and physical plan will examine all our service areas that can positively impact on creating more opportunity for the people of Offaly to be active”.

Eight consultative meetings have been planned for September to gather the views of a range of stakeholders.  Dates and times for these meetings are as follows:

• Thursday 4^th September at 11:00 am in Offaly County Council.  In person consultation with Council staff whose work has a direct or direct impact on sport and physical activity
• Thursday 11^th September at 7:00 pm.  Online consultation with elected members from the County.  Invitations have issued to the nineteen County Councillors, three TDs and local MEP
• Monday 15^th September at 7:00 pm.  Online consultation with teachers from primary and post primary schools regarding school provision
• Monday 22^nd September at 7:00 pm in the Tullamore Court Hotel.  In person consultation with young sportswomen, parents of female participants and their coaches/mentors.  This meeting will be limited to a maximum of 70
• Thursday 25^th September at 7:00 pm.  Online consultation with various stakeholder organisation except sports clubs
• Monday 29^th September at 11:00 am in the Tullamore Court Hotel.  In person consultation for people with a disability, their families, personal assistants and service providers in the sector
• Monday 29^th September at 7:00 pm in the Tullamore Court Hotel.  In person consultation with sports clubs from the county.  This meeting will be limited to a maximum 100 people.  Subject to demand, additional meetings may be held in other locations in the county
• Tuesday 30^th September at 7:00 pm.  Online consultation with the management committee of Offaly Sports Partnership

The consultations will be complemented with various surveys.  To date over 1,000 adults have responded to a survey issued by the Sports Partnership, and almost 600 primary school children have been surveyed regarding their participation in sport.  Surveys of post primary pupils, underrepresented groups in sport, and post primary school management will issue during September.  Members of the public will also be offered an opportunity to submit written submissions.

Welcoming the news of a pending sports plan for Offaly, Cathaoirleach John Leahy said, “I want to encourage as many people as possible to attend the consultation meetings or answer the surveys.  I plan to attend myself”. 

“Sport as we know is so important for us all”, continued Councillor Leahy.  “We are a very proud sporting county and sport runs through our veins.  It is correct and proper that we make time to plan for sport and physical activity and for the wellbeing of the people of Offaly.  I am really looking forward to seeing what comes from the process and I hope that a top-quality plan will be developed”. 

Offaly Sports Partnership will be issuing booking links for all consultation meetings.  Members of the public who want to know more about the consultations should contact Eamonn Henry, Coordinator of Offaly Sports Partnership by email