key focus on providing improved facilities, better coaching supports, increased safety awareness and a pathway for the development of potential high performance athletes
new fund of up to €500,000 to support swimming activators to work within local authority areas
over 5,800 submissions received during public consultation process

The Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne, has today (22 August 2024) announced the publication of the first National Swimming Strategy.

Minister Byrne was joined at the National Aquatic Centre by Olympic and World champion, Daniel Wiffen, the CEO of Sport Ireland, Dr. Una May and the CEO of Swim Ireland, Sarah Keane, in announcing the publication of the National Swimming Strategy.

The publication of Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy follows through from commitments made under both the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the Sports Action Plan 2021-2023.

Swimming is Ireland’s second-most popular participation sport and is prioritised in the Programme for Government in recognition of its role in promoting improved general health and wellbeing.

Additional funding of up to €500,000 is being allocated by the government, through Sport Ireland, to support Swim Ireland in hiring swimming activators to work within local authority areas and provide enhanced opportunities to swim.

The publication of the National Swimming Strategy follows extensive public consultation and engagement with relevant stakeholders. A Working Group was established in 2022 and tasked with developing the Strategy. The working group comprised representatives from relevant National Governing Bodies for sport and stakeholders, specifically Swim Ireland, Sport Ireland, Active Disability Ireland, Ireland Active and the Local Authorities.

Read the National Swimming Strategy and a report on the Public Consultation process that informed it.

Speaking at the National Aquatic Centre today, Minister Byrne said:

“I am proud to publish Ireland’s first-ever National Swimming Strategy which sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim.

Swimming is Ireland’s second most popular participation sport and has the potential to be truly inclusive for all in society. It engages the young and old alike, allows for full participation including for those with physical, mental or sensory considerations, and provides options for diverse communities and minority groups to participate.

Over 5,800 submissions were received during the public consultation process, which is testament to the popularity of the sport and the critical role it can play when it comes to our physical health and mental wellbeing. I am grateful for the extensive stakeholder and public engagement that took place which had a strong role in shaping this Strategy.

The National Swimming Strategy covers both indoor and outdoor swimming and takes account of all ages and abilities. It includes an Action Plan with over fifty actions across five thematic strands.

A key focus of the National Swimming Strategy is on providing improved facilities, better coaching supports, increased safety awareness and a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers. The implementation of the National Swimming Strategy will also improve the culture of inclusion in swimming and increase access for people with disabilities.

We have watched on with awe and pride at the performance of the Team Ireland swimmers, including medallists Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry, and we understand that any Olympic or Paralympic journey begins at a local swimming pool.

The National Swimming Strategy reflects a truly collaborative strategic vision that will strengthen and support the sustainable growth and development of swimming in Ireland for years to come"