Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
260. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the breakdown of the nationwide audit of sport facilities as committed to in the National Sport Policy 2018-2027 by each of the 31 local authorities in tabular form. [6402/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubsequent to the publication of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, and following consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Government decided that the scope of the envisaged database should be widened beyond sports facilities to include important information on, for example, recreational facilities in public spaces and also walking trails. As set out in the National Sports Policy, the overarching aim is to compile an accessible, comprehensive and up-to-date national database of facilities, which will inform Government policy and investment to increase participation in sport and physical activity. This more comprehensive approach reflects and responds to projected increased information requirements of society generally where there is growing popularity of informal sporting and recreational activity.
Sport Ireland, supported by Healthy Ireland funding, has completed a detailed feasibility study. Implementation of this enhanced database project is proceeding on a phased basis, and I would like to acknowledge the excellent engagement by a wide range of stakeholders. It is aimed to substantially complete the project, involving the accumulation of information from existing datasets from local authorities, other State agencies as well as National Governing Bodies of sport, by the end of 2023.
