Ministers Ross and Griffin launch National Sports Policy 2018 to 2027

The new Ballyogan Sports & Physical Activity Hub was officially launched today, Wednesday 25^th July in the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus. A range of local agencies, community groups and elected members were in attendance to hear how this new Hub will work towards making the area an active and sporty place to be.

In seeking to ensure buy-in of the local community, the Sports Partnership and the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Children & Young People’s Services Committee carried out detailed research to identify the needs of young people living locally and the opportunities which the Hub might provide for them.

Read more: Launch of Ballyogan Sport & Physical Activity Hub

A fun inclusive 2 day camp for children aged 13-16 years on the Autism Spectrum. This camp takes place from 10am - 2pm on the 8th & 9th August. Set in the  scenic landscape of Larch Hill International Scouting Centre, Tribbaden, Co Dublin, it is just €20 for the two days.

Activities include rock climbing, archery, fun games, obstical courses and more.

Places are limited. For more information please contact Brian O Donnell, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 01 2719506. 

Woodlands For Health offers a recovery focused physical activity programme which complements

traditional mental health treatment. The primary aim of the programme is to improve the quality of

life for adults who experience enduring mental-ill health in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area by

engaging them in walking and activities in a woodland environment.

Research has shown that engagement with nature through outdoor activities can have a significant

positive impact on people’s mental health and well-being. Woodlands For Health is an innovative

development, which set out to identify the health value that woodland activities can provide to

participants and to demonstrate its value to health professionals.

Combining physical activity with spending time outdoors can optimise the benefits of that activity,

in particular by enhancing mental wellbeing. Specifically, natural environments such as woodland

areas are restorative, can reduce stress, feelings of tension, anger, confusion and depression, and

aid recovery from stressful events.

Based on the success of a pilot programme in Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports

Partnership brought together a number of service providers to develop a similar programme in the

County. Members representing the partner groups had an initial exploratory meeting following which

a Steering Group was established.

The members of the Steering group are as follows - Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership,

Coillte, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, HSE, Get Ireland Walking, Cluain Mhuire, Mental

Health Ireland.

A brief overview follows:

• It is a 10/ 12 week programme with 12-15 participants per week
• Participants are collected at a convenience central point
• The Walk location differs each week – start in parks progressing to mountain trails
• Complementary Lunch is provided for all
• Walks are led by experienced Dublin Mountain Partnership Rangers
• 2 hours of activities in a woodland setting
• Includes elements of gentle exercise, talks on the environment/route, environmental art and relaxation

The Sport Ireland Meath Heritage Cycle tour returns for its 10th year on 28th and 29th July.  Coorodinated by Meath Local Sports Partnership, the Cycle tour is made up of 3 distances this year: 11km Family Spin; 50km Tara Loop & 100km Royal Tour. The 11km Family spin takes place on Sat 28th with the other 2 distances taking place on Sunday 29th. So whether you are an avid cyclist or just dusting down the bike for the first time this year, there is a distance to suit your ability! Families can register for the 11km Spin from 2pm on the day.

Early bird entry prices apply up until the 19th July. Anyone wishing to avail of the early bird price or require further information should check out www.meathsports.ie or contact 046-9067337.