Louth County Council Launches New Local Sports and Physical Activity Plan
Louth County Council has launched its Local Sports and Physical Activity Plan 2026-2031 at Carlingford Adventure Centre during a HER Outdoors Week Teen Girls Sea Kayaking event.
The new plan sets out how sport and physical activity will be supported and developed across County Louth over the next five years. It aims to increase participation, improve access to opportunities and create healthier, more active and connected communities.
The plan was developed following extensive public consultation involving more than 500 people from across County Louth. It sets out a shared vision of a county where everyone is included, supported, and inspired to be active throughout life.
The plan focuses on three key priorities: Active People and Communities; Active Spaces and Places; and Active Communications and Partnerships. These priorities will guide future investment, programme development and partnership working, helping to create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport and physical activity.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
"Launching this plan during HER Outdoors Week is particularly fitting. It highlights our commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to be active and involved in their communities. Sport and physical activity help improve health and wellbeing, build social connections, and enhance quality of life. This plan provides a clear roadmap to ensure that everyone in County Louth feels welcome, supported and encouraged to be active, whether through organised sport, outdoor recreation or everyday physical activity."
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added:
"This plan reflects a shared vision for building a healthier and active Louth, involving communities across County. It was shaped by the views of residents, sports clubs, community organisations, and key stakeholders so that we have an inclusive Local Sport and Physical Activity Plan. By working collaboratively, we will increase participation, remove barriers, and improve facilities to ensure more people will enjoy the benefits of physical activity. The plan will lead future investment and support the development of programmes and facilities that meet the needs of our citizens."
The launch also highlighted the work of Louth Local Sports Partnership and the success of programmes designed to increase participation among underrepresented groups, including women and girls. The Teen Girls Sea Kayaking programme forms part of HER Outdoors Week, a national campaign that encourages more women and girls to get involved and enjoy the benefits in outdoor physical activity.
Commenting, Mary Van Lieshout, Director of Participation, Ethics, Integrity and Research at Sport Ireland, said:
"It's great to see County Louth launching a plan that puts participation and inclusion at its heart. Through the work of Louth Local Sports Partnership and initiatives such as HER Outdoors Week, more people are discovering ways to get active and enjoy the benefits that sport and physical activity can bring. Louth County Council has an important role in bringing communities and partners together, and this plan provides a strong foundation for creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active."
The Louth Local Sports and Physical Activity Plan 2026-2031 is available at www.louthcoco.ie.
About Louth Local Sports Partnership (LSP)
Louth Local Sports Partnership (Louth LSP), operating as part of Louth County Council, was established in 2008 as part of the national Local Sports Partnership network led by Sport Ireland.
Louth LSP is jointly funded by Sport Ireland and Louth County Council to increase participation in sport and physical activity across County Louth. The partnership works with local communities, sports clubs, schools, and voluntary organisations to deliver inclusive programmes, training opportunities and initiatives that support people of all ages and abilities to become more active.
