Good News For Westmeath
More than €4m in Dormant Accounts Funding is to be invested in community sports and physical activity initiatives, the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport and Sport Ireland are pleased to announce.
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.
Funding
A total of €119,000 will be allocated to a variety of projects as well as community and voluntary supports in Co. Westmeath.
Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) play a crucial role in implementing the National Sports Policy and increasing participation levels in sport and physical activity particularly in underrepresented groups. Through Dormant Accounts Funding, LSPs can connect national funding priorities with local community needs, ensuring funding reaches the groups, clubs and people that need it most.
Key areas of investment for 2025 will include Community Sports Hubs, Sports Inclusion Disability Projects, and Active Cities.
Funding totalling €1.32m will provide continued support to 29 existing Community Sports and Physical Activity Hubs (Hubs) along with funding of 4 new Hubs in 2025. Led by LSPs, the Hubs will promote local engagement in sport and physical activity to assist disadvantaged areas.
Community Sports And Physical Activity Hubs
Westmeath Sports Partnership is delighted to support two Community Sports Hubs in Co. Westmeath.
Funding of €70,000 has been allocated to support the hub in Castletown Geoghegan.
These Hubs provide information, support and advice on a wide range of sports and physical activities to make it easier for people to get involved and engage in a more active and healthier lifestyle.
Volunteer Supports
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).
This fund supports coaching and development programmes or other training opportunities. It seeks to build participants’ confidence and skillset, ultimately benefiting the community through the volunteer sport development efforts these individuals undertake.
Westmeath Sports Partnership has been allocated a total of €28,000 to support volunteers in community and sports groups across the county.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Fund will continue to support impactful projects that remove barriers to participation in sport and physical activity for individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities. The fund enables LSPs and other organisations to scale and replicate successful initiatives, building on proven strategies that foster greater engagement.
The EDI fund also aims to enhance skills and resources within the sports sector, providing education, training, and support to empower stakeholders to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion effectively.
Westmeath Sports Partnership has been allocated a total of €21,000 through Dormant Accounts.
More info
You can find more information about Dormant Accounts Funding by clicking this link