COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 14, 2014

QUESTION NO.45

QUESTION: Councillor Charlie O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive to report to the council on actions being taken to promote Sport throughout our county.

REPLY:

The Council has a Sports Office and a Sports Partnership Office. This latter office is funded primarily by the Irish Sports Council.


The Sports Office has the services of 4 FAI officers, 1 Rugby officer and 2 Cricket officers (1 of whom is focussed on persons with a disability) whom they work with to develop programmes through schools, clubs and community bases. In addition the Sports Office organises activity programmes for older aged and disability groups, primary schools and the community in general e.g. the development of the Fairy Trails in our parks.

The Sports Partnership's role is to provide training and information support for schools, clubs and community groups. It also organises events such as Bike Week, the Ramble Aid series which is focussed on getting the community active and in turn assisting local charities with the funds raised. Previously the Sports Partnership developed the Link 2B Active programme which offered reduced rates for those on social welfare in local facilities. This programme was adopted and launched nationwide by the Irish Sports Council. In more recent times, while we will continue to assist and work with clubs and schools, the focus for the Sports Partnership will be on "the fringe" i.e. those in our community who are not being reached by clubs or sporting bodies.

Broadly speaking the participation levels for people in the County are in line with or slightly better than national averages. There are some anomalies such as the participation levels of middle aged men but this will require further study to determine whether factors such as unemployment are impacting on this population sector. The resources directed towards this area are always in demand, it should be recognised that the contributions from the existing networks of sports halls, community and leisure centres, the Dublin Mountains Partnership and many others must be appreciated.

All suggestions which contribute to the promotion of sport in the county, especially those targeting the sectors in our community who are currently not participating are welcome.