National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027

Background

Both the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and the Sports Action Plan 2021-2023 commit to the development of a National Swimming Strategy.

Its development is also consistent with Programme for Government commitments around the promotion of sport and physical activity, with a particular emphasis on promoting improved general health and wellbeing for all generations and for lifelong participation.

A Working Group, chaired by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, was established in 2022 and tasked with developing the Strategy, which is based on a vision to ‘provide everyone in Ireland with an opportunity to swim’. The working group comprised representatives from relevant National Governing Bodies for sport and stakeholders, specifically Swim Ireland, Sport Ireland, Active Disability Ireland (formerly CARA), Ireland Active and the Local Authorities.

Extensive stakeholder and public engagement has allowed for a wide range of viewpoints to be considered in shaping this Strategy. Over 5,800 submissions were received during the public consultation process, which is testament to the popularity of the sport and the critical role it can play in terms of our physical health and mental wellbeing.