Minister O’Donovan Launches Sport Ireland SPEAK Report

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, today launched the ninth annual Sport Ireland Strategic, Planning, Evaluation and Knowledge (SPEAK) Report on the national network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).

The SPEAK report provides an overview of the work of the 29 LSPs across the country, and highlights the innovative good practice projects and programmes that are being operated locally.

Almost €14.5 million was invested in the LSP network, including benefit in kind funding.

Commenting on Report, Minster of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “The vital work of the Local Sports Partnership Network in increasing participation, particularly among those sectors of society that are underrepresented in sport, is making a substantial contribution to the health and welfare of individuals, communities and the nation. Today’s report highlights the innovative local projects which are being undertaken by the Local Sports Partnerships to enable all citizens the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sport and physical activities.”

Speaking at the launch of the publication at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Chairman of Sport Ireland Kieran Mulvey commented: “The 2015 SPEAK Report provides a fantastic overview and insight into the operation of the national network of Local Sports Partnerships. A key strategic aim of Sport Ireland is increasing participation across every age group and from all social backgrounds throughout Ireland, and the great work by the LSPs is removing barriers that prevent participation in sport and physical activity.”

Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, added: “One of Sport Ireland’s key priorities for the LSP network is the sustainable development within the local sports infrastructure; this report shows that LSPs are doing vital work with clubs and groups ensuring that structures are in place to allow people across the LSP target groups to participate in sport. I would like to thank all of the agencies, groups and individuals who have contributed to this report, and to those who were involved in the delivery of the programmes and projects at local level.”

Looking ahead Sport Ireland Director of Participation and Ethics, Dr. Una May said: “Sport Ireland, through the Local Sports Partnership network, will continue to take a strategic approach with regard to programme delivery, with a stronger emphasis on monitoring and evaluation of the programmes delivered. The SPEAK system will be used as a tool to plan work in line with strategic objectives, building robust evaluation metrics into all projects.”

Key Findings from the 2015 SPEAK Report Include:

Development of Local Sports Infrastructure

• 1,796 clubs/groups supported in the delivery of activities
• 913 clubs/groups helped in developing their organisational or management structures
• 276 clubs attended Club Development Workshops

Delivery of Training and Education Programmes

• LSPs planned and delivered 280 training and education courses, workshops and seminars with their partner agencies
• 19,135 people participated in these training courses
• 678 volunteers supported the roll out of these courses

Delivering Sport Ireland Programmes

• 6,974 participants completed 506 Safeguarding 1 training courses
• 615 participants completed 55 Safeguarding 2 training courses
• 22 participants completed 2 Safeguarding 3 training courses (new course)

Programme Delivery

• 347,806 people participated in 891 locally delivered participation programmes
• 9,316 female participants took part in 70 local Women in Sport programmes

Building and Sustaining Partnerships

LSPs have participated in 237 actions associated with building networks and advocating on behalf of their LSP target groups

A full copy of the 2015 SPEAK Report is available here.