Fine Gael Senator and General Election candidate John Cummins has welcomed this morning’s announcement by Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, who confirmed allocations under the new Participation Nation Outdoor Fund.
Money has been allocated to local sports partnerships across the country to support the purchase and installation of permanent sport infrastructure that can be placed on public land for community use.
In line with the Programme for Government target of reaching 60% overall participation in sport by 2027, the fund is designed to spur physical activity in local community settings by supporting Local Sports Partnerships with the development of barrier-free sport projects on publicly-accessible land.
Allocations are funded by the Department and administered by Sport Ireland. The funding allocated in Waterford will go towards Box ups in Waterford council parks in Fairlane Park (Dungarvan), Kilbarry Nature Park (Waterford City), Tramore and Kilmacthomas. The Box up will involve the container and relevant equipment for each area. This equipment will be based on amenities and local sporting activities available e.g. skateboard, balance bike, basketball, volleyball, scooter etc.
Speaking on the announcement Sen. John Cummins said:
“It’s welcome news that €63,750 has been allocated under the Participation Nation Outdoor Fund for Fairlane Park, Kilbarry Nature Park, Tramore and Kilmacthomas. This fund importantly aims to increase participation levels in sport and physical activity, something which is very important for our physical and mental health. I want to thank the Local Sports Partnerships for their work in bringing these sports projects forward and I look forward to seeing them delivered for the benefit of their communities.”
Announcing the allocations today, Minister Byrne said:
“I am very glad to announce the first allocations under the Participation Nation Outdoor Fund which will benefit every Local Sports Partnership across the country. This is a new fund which seeks to increase participation levels in local community settings by assisting Local Sports Partnerships with the purchase and installation of barrier-free sports infrastructure.
As a Government, we want to see our participation levels in sport and physical activity maximised to the greatest extent possible. Budget 2025 represented a landmark moment for Irish sport with our target of doubling the sport budget compared to 2018 levels being reached two years ahead of schedule.”
Any queries regarding the fund should be directed to participation@sportireland.ie