The investment will be administered by Sport Ireland and will aim to engage with communities across the country, focusing on people with disabilities, people who are educationally disadvantaged and from disadvantaged communities.

Speaking today, Minister Ross said: “I am delighted to announce almost €4.5 million in funding for sport and physical activity measures through the Dormant Accounts Fund. In line with the new National Sports Policy, this funding will support our Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies in the delivery of a comprehensive programme of initiatives under the National Physical Activity Plan. My Department is working together with Sport Ireland, the Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies for Sport to ensure that the programme of initiatives resulting from this funding is inclusive, accessible and regionally balanced.”

Minister Griffin added: “Sport is vital for the growth of community and social cohesiveness in disadvantaged areas, and investment in the young people in these areas has long-term benefits both for their own health and for their engagement in society generally. The investment being announced today not only means that some of the successful programmes implemented over the last three years can be continued, it also allows for new initiatives and investment in disadvantaged communities. The programmes which will be implemented as a result of this funding will contribute significantly to the health and well-being of individuals and communities at a local level around the county.”

Among the successful Dormant Accounts Fund projects announced today are five new Community Sport and Physical Activity Hubs, with additional funding for 26 existing Hubs.

Kieran Mulvey, Chairman of Sport Ireland said: “Sport Ireland is delighted with the announcement of this substantial funding towards the important sport and physical activity interventions in the community. The aim of the Community Sport and Physical Activity Hubs is to bring local people together and provide a home for local clubs and sports organisations. Supported by Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships, these hubs will provide information, support and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities and make it easier for people to get involved and engage in a more active and healthier lifestyle”.

Highlighting new initiatives funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, commented: “Sport Ireland places a premium on ensuring everyone has an opportunity to partake in sport no matter what their circumstance and the Dormant Accounts Fund is assisting us in realising that ambition. It is particularly welcome to see a range of new projects developed, which will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of local communities. Programmes such as the new Physical Literacy & Fundamental Movement Skills initiative and the additions to the Coaching Development Programme for Ireland will make sport and physically activity more accessible to more people.”

As with previous funding announced, today’s investment is closely aligned with the National Physical Activity Plan. A particular emphasis on implementing programmes to promote physical activity, making sport and physical activity accessible to people with a disability and the development of programmes to address transitions and drop out from physical activity.

Sport Ireland Director of Participation and Ethics, Dr. Una May, highlighted the impact of the projects funded to date: “Collaborative initiatives across the sports sector and capacity building programmes such as the Dublin North East Inner City Project and Coaching Young People project, along with other initiatives such as the Urban Outdoor Adventure programme and the Youth Leadership programme, have increased the opportunities for participation at a local level. These initiatives are driven by local community leaders and groups meaning that all programmes are highly targeted and contribute to building the capacity of communities. The results have been impressive and this new raft of funding will allow us to keep developing opportunities, offering a significant return on investments.”

See attached for full breakdown of funding