Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Participation Strategy Launched

4th February 2014

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I’d like to commend the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Participation Strategy which was officially launched in Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel recently. I was delighted to attend the launch and I want to compliment the work of the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership.

Their five year strategy will bring all available resources together, to increase participation in physical activity and sport across the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown county.

As Minister of State at the Department of Health, I’m a keen advocate of ‘Healthy Ireland’ a Government plan which is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of our country over the coming generation.

We’re all aware of the incredible health benefits that come from keeping active and fit. Exercising regularly can prevent the onset of many illnesses and diseases.

The core objective of the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership is to get more people active more often. While the strategic plan is inclusive of everyone, I’m impressed that it will also target groups that traditionally have lower levels of participation in sports and physical activity including girls and women, people with a disability, disadvantaged young people and older adults.

Our communities in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown are already considerably more active than the national average. For example, figures show that 42% of people played a sport in the previous week compared with only 33% nationally. 63% of people in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown walked recreationally in the previous seven days compared with 59% nationally.

This strategy is the culmination of months of hard work and consultation between local agencies, sports clubs and stakeholders.  I want to commend them for this proactive plan of action.

The Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Participation Strategy will help improve the quality of life and the health and wellbeing of our local community. You can find out more about the strategy here.