New Fingal strategy aims to ensure physical activity is an important part of everyday life

Download Active Together Local Sports and Physical Activity Plan

Fingal County Council has unveiled a new initiative that aims to transform the sports landscape in Fingal, enhancing participation and access for residents and using sport to help tackle social issues and build communities.

The far-reaching plan lays out a strategic framework focused on six key commitments: prioritising sports and physical activity; improving accessibility for everyone; raising the profile and visibility of sports activities; emphasising outdoor participation; enhancing quality facilities; and fostering stakeholder collaboration.

Along with operating a number of sports hubs, the council employs a team of sports officers who provide support to community groups, clubs, schools and business groups. This includes supporting activities that include cricket, hockey, tennis, rugby and also swimming. The sports team proactively targets all areas in Fingal, particularly areas of disadvantage and population growth to support key groups such as new communities, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, women and families to become more active.

Initiatives run by Fingal encourage participation regardless of age or ability, with programmes such as the Corduff Childrens Sports Hub, Men on the Move, Football for All and the Balbriggan Beach Festival providing a fun environment for people to get involved in physical activity. As part of their work, the Council also helps to train and develop programmes for sports volunteers, staff and those working at every level in the delivery of sport.

Fingal has also established the country’s only Football and Fitness Transition Year course which is run in partnership with the FAI. Students taking part are given an opportunity to sample full-time football training while also fulfilling their educational requirements and obtaining qualifications in coaching and fitness training. and football. After several years of a successful programme being run for TY boys - which has seen a large number of graduates gain full-time scholarships, first team contracts in the League of Ireland, professional contracts abroad and represent Ireland at the international level - this year will also see the first ever group of TY girls in Ireland graduate.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said: “This plan builds on the Council’s important work in promoting sport, physical activity and community wellness across our local communities. As a keen sports enthusiast myself, I see the powerful role sport can play in advancing not only the benefits to people’s health but also the impact it can have in terms of social interaction. This is evident in schools, clubs, community facilities and at the many outdoor recreational facilities within Fingal, which is why enhancing participation and access is a core focus of this new strategy.”

The comprehensive approach is designed to encourage a more active, inclusive, and healthy Fingal. It aligns with national policies and recognises the importance of sports and physical activity in promoting mental and physical well-being, economic growth, and social cohesion.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council commented: “We nurture healthy, happy, and connected communities when we provide opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and exercise. Fingal’s commitment to supporting active lifestyles across the county spans many aspects, including the planning, provision and management of public open spaces, sports facilities, grant funding support and partnerships with key local, regional and national stakeholders.”

With a focus on sustainable and inclusive practices, the Council is committed to making Fingal an exemplary region for sports and physical activity in Ireland. Another aspect underpinning the plan is the focus on building on existing investments and assets, including current facilities and further development of recreation hubs. 

To that end, Fingal has been taking remarkable strides in enhancing its community infrastructure, particularly when it comes to delivering state-of-the-art recreation hubs. Having already opened new in demand facilities in the likes of Balbriggan, Porterstown Park, and Swords, work is now underway in the heart of the Donabate-Portrane peninsula on an extensive hub that will offer a full sized floodlit all-weather GAA pitch which incorporates two full sized all-weather soccer pitches, a floodlit eight-lane all-weather athletics track, bleacher seating, a skatepark, playground, and associated infrastructure which will cater to a wide spectrum of interests and age groups across the community.

Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport, Dave Storey noted: “It is fantastic to see such a detailed plan in place that will help encourage physical activity and sport within the county. We want to ensure everyone, regardless of age and ability, can undertake exercise and make the most of the local amenities and the natural environment on offer. In doing so, we also want to involve residents and other key stakeholders in the development and design of sport and physical activity initiatives to help ensure that they are accessible and inclusive.”

More than 2000 hectares of public open space are available in Fingal and 180 grass pitches are currently allocated to sports clubs in Fingal in response to local need. 31 community centres also offer opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in physical activities including yoga, Pilates, table tennis and gym-based exercise. Fingal is also home to the National Sports Campus, a world class facility which has capacity to inspire participation amongst our residents with greater access. Over 170 sport and activity groups and clubs are currently registered in the county.