Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is a structured application process through Sport Ireland, which engages with the local sports partnerships. They have been engaged with by Sport Ireland directly on funding opportunities and new activities. They tend to target hard-to-reach groups, such as in disadvantaged areas or those with disabilities.

From last year's announcement there was a specific and even a geographical breakdown within different counties of different initiatives being funded by this Covid-19 fund. All local sports partnerships would have been engaged with Sport Ireland around what different initiatives they might like to fund relevant to their local areas as well. The Deputy previously served on a local authority, like me, and there are local sports officers who shape a local sporting initiative relevant to a local community, engaging with volunteers and trying to create something that would make a difference to local communities around sport. That gives flexibility within local sports partnerships to act. There will be further opportunities this year. We can send on the specifics for Louth to the Deputy.