The document outlines the framework and steps towards getting Ireland’s population to a healthy weight, with healthy eating, physical activity and a health conscious food industry becoming the norm.

Sport Ireland Chairman, Kieran Mulvey, highlighted the importance of physical activity in the policy achieving its objectives: “One of Sport Ireland’s key strategic aims is the increase in participation in physical activity across all ages. Physical activity plays a key role in the prevention of obesity across and Healthy Ireland’s policy and action recognises this.

“The policy highlights the implementation of the National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland as one of the steps towards a healthier nation and Sport Ireland is delighted to play a lead role in making sure that more people are more active on a regular basis.”

Welcoming the publication of the strategy, Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy, highlighted the need for interdependence in all policy areas to support the fight against obesity: “I would like to congratulate Healthy Ireland and everyone who contributed to this policy and action plan.

“There is strong evidence to back up the need for a whole of government approach in the prevention of overweight and obesity and naturally sport and physical activity is one of the cornerstones in tackling the issue. Sport Ireland is delighted to play a leading role in increasing participation in physical activity through continued strategic investment in Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies for Sport, which will lead to a healthier Ireland.”

A Healthy Weight for Ireland - Healthy Ireland’s Obesity and Action Plan can be downloaded HERE.