Background to the Local Sports Partnership initiative
The Irish Sports Council was established on 1 July 1999 under the Irish Sports Council Act. In response to the functions ascribed and the requirements of the Act, the Irish Sports Council produced its first Statement of Strategy, A New Era for Sport in 2000. During the period covered by this strategy, the Irish Sports Council established its first twelve Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs).
In their second strategy - Sport for Life - the ISC again supported the continued expansion of the LSP network, with a further four LSPs established in 2004.
Since the publication of the current strategy; Building Sport for Life 2006-2008, the remaining 17 LSP's have been established and there is full national coverage.
The Irish Sports Council have established the Local Sports Partnership initiative as a forum for sport at a local level which is charged with improving opportunities to participate in sport for every member of the community. The key aims of the LSPs are to increase participation in sport and to ensure that local resources are used to best effect.
Development of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership (DLR Sports Partnership) was set up in 2007 and Shane McArdle was appointed as Sports Coordinator of this body in April 2008. DLR Sports Partnership works closely with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council's Sports Development Office and other key partners to promote participation, inclusion and coordination in sport at a local level.
All those statutory bodies, organisations and groups operating in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown with a responsibility for or interest in sports development are invited to participate in the Local Sports Partnership. This includes the involvement of the VECs, Local Authorities, Health Boards, FÁS, third level sector, commercial interests, sports clubs/organisations, schools and voluntary/community.
DLR Sports Partnership Team
Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO)
A Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO), Brian O'Donnell, has also been appointed. Working closely with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership, and funded through The Dormant Accounts Fund, the role of the SIDO is to promote greater sport and physical activity participation for people with a disability, and to encourage inclusion in mainstream sports clubs.
