Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs
Every year millions of euro from Dormant Accounts Funding is invested in projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or people with a disability.
Under the Tranche 1 Funding Allocation 2025, more than €4m will be invested in community sports and physical activity initiatives led by Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs). The second round of €5m approx. will be announced later in the year for National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs).
In 2025 key areas of investment includes:
- Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs
- Sports Inclusion Disability Projects
- Active Cities
- Volunteer Supports
- Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives
- Disability Training Framework
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion fund
- and the Her Moves Initiative.
Here we will examine the key areas where the funding will be allocated, and spotlight examples of how the money will be spent.
Today we will examine Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs.
Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs
The Sport Ireland Community Sport & Physical Activity Hubs (Hubs) have received more than €13.25 million in Dormant Accounts Funding since 2015 and are now an integral and vital part of the Irish community sport landscape.
Hubs are a network of progressive sports clubs and other local organisations that work together to improve the opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity within local communities. They provide information, support and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities to make it easier for people in disadvantaged areas to engage in a more active lifestyle.
By creating an open and welcoming environment, Hubs reach the most marginalised in society and provide opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity for all. In addition to increasing participation and the volunteer base, Hubs have also provided successful training and education programmes which have led to employment opportunities and an increase in the local coach and tutor base. Along with providing this pathway to participation the Hubs have promoted greater social cohesion with the establishment of several clubs and community organisations.
Funding in 2025, totalling €1.32m, will support 29 existing Hubs and fund four new Hubs.
Spotlight: Atlantic Community Sports Hub, North Clare Sports and Amenity Park Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare.
A new Hub in Year 1 of funding in 2025, the Atlantic Community Sports Hub (ACSH) aims to create a sustainable, inclusive and accessible sports ecosystem to serve the rural and urban communities of Lisdoonvarna and the wider Ennistymon region.
This is a recognised area of disadvantage in terms of socioeconomic status and is home to an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre, Irish Traveller communities, three DEIS schools and a large Ukrainian population.
ACSH aims to remove barriers to participation, foster integration and promote well-being by ensuring that everyone in the community - regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender and ability - can engage in sport and physical activity.
Clare LSP has developed strong working relationships with several key partners to develop this programme.
Award: Clare LSP will receive €41,500 in funding for Year 1 of a five-year programme of funding for this Hub.
