Westmeath Sports Partnership is delighted to confirm that it has been successful in applying to the Dormant Accounts Fund again this year and will receive a total of €90,600 for a wide variety of projects.
More than €5m in Dormant Accounts Funding is to be awarded to Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland in 2024.
The funding was announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne this week.
The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.
Areas in which Westmeath Sports Partnership has been allocated funding include Community Sports Hubs, Training and Education, Volunteer Supports and Equality, Diversion Inclusion.
| Westmeath LSP | Hubs | Training and Education | Volunteer Supports | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion |
| (€) | 61,500 | 8,500 | 8600 | 12,000 |
| Total €90,600 |
- Dormant Accounts Funding will be allocated to establish 4 new Local Sports Partnership (LSP) led Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs (Hubs) in 2024 including in Co. Westmeath, with additional funding allocated to the 38 existing Hubs currently within the five year funding period 2020 – 2024.
- Funding has been allocated for Training and Education initiative aims to support learners from socio-economically disadvantaged communities, including those from diverse backgrounds and individuals with disabilities, who wish to enhance their skills.
- The Volunteer Supports initiative aims to identify and assist individuals volunteering in disadvantaged communities or with people with disabilities, helping them to gain leadership skills in community sport and physical activities (e.g., coaches, leaders, referees, committee members).
- The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion fund focuses on supporting projects that address obstacles to participation for individuals in diverse communities, aiming to enhance accessibility and inclusion in sports and physical activities.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin said:
“The announcement of the Dormant Accounts Fund allocation will support a range of excellent work across the country and is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusivity and well-being through sports and physical activities.
“This funding will empower innovative projects that support volunteers in disadvantaged areas, promote women’s participation in sports, and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By championing a ‘Sport for All’ ethos, we aim to create a healthier and more active Ireland for everyone.”
The areas of focus include community sports and physical activity hubs, education and training hubs with volunteer supports as a priority and sports measures for disadvantaged communities to support the National Sports Policy and National Physical Activity Plan.
Recognising the invaluable contributions of volunteers in Irish sport, funding is allocated to provide volunteer supports aligned with the key actions of the Volunteering in Sport Policy.
Funding will be allocated to projects that empower volunteers, including youth leadership training, coaching and development programmes and targeted training for volunteers who are from or who work in disadvantaged areas and/or with people with disabilities.
Dormant Accounts Funding will also enable Active Disability Ireland to continue to work with Local Sports Partnerships in delivering training designed to build awareness around people with disabilities participating in community sport and physical activity. Additionally, the Sports Inclusion Disability Fund aims to reduce barriers to sports participation for people with a disability through minor infrastructure development and the provision of equipment.
This funding is also delivering key objectives from the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan for 2024, which is being overseen by the Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien, under the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012.
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said:
“We are very happy to announce this investment package of €5.1m as part of our continuing commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports and physical activities across Ireland.
This funding is all about bridging gaps, ensuring everyone can lead active, healthier lives regardless of their background.”