Press release
Minister Burke encourages people to get active and improve their physical activity levels in 2025
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy, Colm Burke, has today encouraged people to increase their physical activity levels in 2025. The Minister noted the support provided this year for enhancing the physical health of the people of Ireland, and the wide range of initiatives that are available in our communities.
In 2024, the Department of Health allocated €500,000 to 25 local authorities to support the improvement of facilities and access to various river, lake, and sea swimming locations nationwide. Local Sports Partnerships in nearly every county submitted applications for the Healthy Ireland funding.
The funds, administered by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health, are being used to enhance changing facilities, and purchase equipment to assist individuals with disabilities.
This initiative, developed in line with the Healthy Ireland objective of enabling more people to be more active more often, builds on the recent growth in popularity of outdoor swimming by improving the facilities and equipment at designated swimming locations across the country.
Minister Burke said:
“The popularity of outdoor swimming has increased in recent years, and it offers numerous benefits for physical and mental wellbeing. This funding will provide an opportunity for people of all ages to engage in physical activity together.”
The department has also extended the Healthy Ireland Walking Tracks initiative to 43 new clubs with the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Football Association of Ireland in 2024. The initiative supports the upgrade of existing walking track facilities to make them more accessible to people with mobility issues, such as older people and wheelchair users. Funding will also cover upgrading, or the installation of lighting designed to prolong the hours of usage particularly during the dark winter evenings.
Minister Burke added:
"This funding has greatly benefited local communities nationwide, allowing individuals of all abilities to engage in safe exercise. By assisting local sports clubs in providing safe and accessible facilities for everyone, we are facilitating easier access to exercise and promoting community connections, which in turn reduces social isolation and enhances the overall health of the community.”
2024 also saw developments in the Parkrun programme, which is in operation since 2012. In keeping with Healthy Ireland’s principles of inclusion, this year also saw targeted Parkrun initiatives on men’s health, mental health promotion, and people living with autism and dementia. This year, over 15,000 people participated in weekly events across the country, and records were broken for the numbers of events, volunteers and junior Parkrun participants.
This year also saw the launch of the National Physical Activity and Sedentary Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines provide clear guidance and messages for people on the amount and types of activity they should be doing regularly to improve their health and wellbeing.
Minister Burke concluded:
"I am immensely proud of the progress we have achieved this year in assisting individuals in improving their physical health, and I look forward to the new initiatives and advancements we will make in this area in 2025.
"Physical activity is not only essential for physical health, but also crucial for our mental health. Engaging in physical activities enhances mood, reduces stress, and increases energy levels. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity for people to connect with others and participate more actively in their community."