Limerick Sports Partnership has this week confirmed it has secured €138,750 from the Participation Nation Outdoor Fund 2024, allowing the partnership to develop the first six-lane outdoor Lawn Bowls facility in Limerick.
The Participation Nation Outdoor Fund aims to support the installation of barrier-free outdoor sports infrastructure for public use in local communities. Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne, confirmed the allocations under this new fund on Wednesday, 23 October.
A total of €2.26 million has been allocated to 30 local sports partnerships nationwide to facilitate the purchase and installation of permanent sports infrastructure on public land for community use.
This initiative aligns with the Programme for Government’s target of achieving 60% overall participation in sports by 2027. The fund is designed to encourage physical activity in local communities by supporting the development of barrier-free sports projects on publicly accessible land.
The allocations are funded by the department and administered by Sport Ireland. Examples of supported projects include 3x3 basketball courts, outdoor soccer tables, table tennis, and outdoor gym equipment.
Announcing the allocations, Minister Byrne stated:
“I am very pleased to announce the first allocations under the Participation Nation Outdoor Fund, which will benefit every Local Sports Partnership across the country. This new fund aims to increase participation levels in local communities by assisting Local Sports Partnerships with the purchase and installation of barrier-free sports infrastructure. The Participation Nation Outdoor Fund is another example of our efforts to boost participation levels, complementing the significant community benefits already delivered under both the Community Sport Facilities Fund and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund.”
Following the announcement, Phelim Macken, Manager of Limerick Sports Partnership, expressed his delight:
“We are thrilled with this announcement under the Participation Nation Fund. This initiative has two components: developing outdoor sports infrastructure and improving biodiversity. These funds will help Limerick LSP and our partners develop the first six-lane outdoor Lawn Bowls facility in Limerick. This facility will be an excellent addition for providing meaningful physical activity and sport for the ever-increasing older adult community in Limerick. It will benefit all communities as it is a multi-generational activity. We plan to have this facility operational by the third quarter of 2025.”