The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, in collaboration with Sport Ireland, has announced an investment of €4.17 million in Dormant Accounts Funding for 2025. This funding will support a wide range of community sports and physical activity initiatives across Ireland. The initiative aims to increase access to sport for people of all abilities and backgrounds, with a particular focus on those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged or living with disabilities. The funding is made possible by utilising unclaimed funds from credit institutions in Ireland for projects that break down barriers to sports participation.
Government ministers highlighted the importance of this investment in promoting inclusion, expanding opportunities, and building the capacity of the sports sector. Minister Patrick O’Donovan emphasised that sport plays a vital role in fostering social inclusion, while Minister Charlie McConalogue noted the significance of funding for volunteer programmes and upskilling to maintain Ireland’s high participation and volunteering rates. Minister Jerry Buttimer also underlined the role of Local Sports Partnerships and community hubs in connecting national priorities to local needs, ensuring more people can enjoy the benefits of sport.
The funding will support key areas such as Community Sports Hubs, Sports Inclusion Disability Projects, and the Active Cities initiative. €1.32 million will be allocated to support 29 existing hubs and establish four new ones, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The Sports Inclusion Disability Projects will receive €500,000 to improve infrastructure and reduce barriers for people with disabilities. Additionally, €750,000 will go to the Active Cities initiative to encourage healthier lifestyles in Ireland’s largest cities through programmes for all ages and abilities.
Other allocations include €420,000 for Volunteer Supports to empower leaders in disadvantaged communities, €300,000 for Active Disability Ireland to expand inclusive eLearning workshops with a focus on women and girls, and €500,000 for the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion fund to support projects reaching underrepresented communities. Nearly €280,000 will be invested in Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiatives to provide outdoor sports opportunities for disadvantaged and at-risk youth, while €100,000 will go to the Her Moves Initiative to encourage adolescent girls to engage in physical activities.
This comprehensive funding package reflects Sport Ireland’s commitment to bridging gaps in sports participation and creating pathways for everyone to lead a more active and healthy life, regardless of background.
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