Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure / Equipment Funding Now Open for Applications

Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure / Equipment Funding Now Open for Applications

Date: 03-05-2024

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Hildegarde Naughton TD recently announced €500,000 in funding for outdoor swimming infrastructure projects across Ireland. Approximately €30,000 in funding will be made available to Mayo Sports Partnership to invite applications from local groups to improve access and facilities at safe outdoor swimming locations in 2024.

Mayo Sports Partnership is now seeking applications for Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Funding to support the Actions from the National Sports Policy and the National Physical Activity Plan and Sport Ireland Participation Plan to increase the opportunities to partake in outdoor swimming across Ireland. All projects are offered through a competitive bid process and will be evaluated against the criteria set in the application forms and guidelines document.

The scheme, supported by Sport Ireland, has a total available fund of €30,000 which is categorized under 2 headings:

1. Strengthening Open Water Swimming Infrastructure – Invites groups to submit proposals for changing, accessibility, storage facilities, steps, handrails etc
2. Equipment – buoyancy aids, specialist wheelchairs, beach mats etc

To apply go to OUTDOOR SWIMMING INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING 2024 | Mayo County Council

In order to complete the online form you will need to register on the consult platform, details of how to do this can be got HERE

Groups are asked to note that applications from safe, summer lifeguarded areas will be prioritised under this initiative. In addition with the limited amount of total funding available ie €30,000 the evaluation sub committee may decide on partial funding towards a project. In this case applicants may need to demonstrate matching funding.

Commenting on the initiative Mayo Sports Partnership Head Charlie Lambert commented “ Open Water Swimming has become very popular in recent years and here in Mayo we have a number of excellent locations. While this scheme is limited at least it’s a recognition of increased participation and of work done by local voluntary groups”

Please note that all applications are to be made online.  Closing date for is Friday 17th May 2024 at 12 Noon, maximum allocation to any one project will be determined by a Mayo Sports Partnership Sub Committee, this is dependent on meeting the criteria and overall quality of the initiative. The Mayo Sports Partnership committee will decide on all successful applications and its recommendations are final. If  groups require assistance on the scheme email mayosportspartnership@mayococo.ie  or phone the Sports Partnership office at 094-9064360.