Dormant Accounts Fund allocation of €119,000 for Westmeath clubs

Westmeath community sports clubs are set for a windfall as €119,000 will be used to invest in physical activity initiatives under the Dormant Accounts Fund scheme.

Nationally more than €4m in Dormant Accounts Funding will be invested in community sports. 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.

Under the heading of volunteer supports Westmeath Local Sports Partnership will receive €28,000, while a further €21,000 is available for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. The Westmeath Local Sports Partnership will also receive €70,000 towards their 2024 Hub Funding Allocation.

The scheme is administered by the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport.

Speaking on the announcement the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, said the funding will help ensure that new opportunities and new sports are opened to people of all abilities and backgrounds across the county.

“In Westmeath we’ll see €70k for our sports hubs. Also, an allocation of €28k towards programmes for volunteers and upskilling in Westmeath. Our volunteers keep our initiatives running smoothly and we must offer them the opportunity to get all the training they need,” he said.

“Our sports clubs are at the heart of our community, bringing people of all backgrounds together. Through this funding €21k specifically for diversity and inclusion projects, I hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the benefits that sports participation and a healthy lifestyle can bring.

“Fine Gael are committed to ensuring everyone can thrive through sport,” Minister Burke concluded.