Funding boost for Waterford Sports Partnership with Dormant Accounts allocation
Monies will be used for a number of initiatives across the city and county
More than €130,000 in Dormant Accounts Funding has been allocated to Waterford Sports Partnership under a number of different categories.
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.
Of the €136,700 allocated to Waterford Sports Partnership, €105,000 will be used for projects under the Active Cities initiative. A total of €19,200 will be spent on Sports Inclusion Disability Projects; €7,000 on the Her Moves project and €5,500 on Equality, Diversity & Inclusion projects.
Commenting on the allocation of €5m nationally, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin said the monies will support a range of excellent work in Waterford and across the country and is a testament to the government's "commitment to fostering inclusivity and well-being through sports and physical activities".
She added: “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.”
Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht Thomas Byrne added: “The Olympics and Paralympics have provided us with so many memorable sporting moments over the last few weeks but ultimately, involvement in sport begins at the grassroots and that is why it is so important for us to support the valuable work of our Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland. Everyone, of every ability, should enjoy the right to participate in sport and this €5 million allocation from the Dormant Accounts Fund represents a significant milestone in our efforts to make sport accessible to all members of our community."
The areas of focus under the Dormant Accounts scheme 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.