Carlow County Council launches landmark Local Sport & Physical Activity Plan for County Carlow and Local Sports Partnership Active Carlow Strategic Plan.

Carlow County Council launches landmark Local Sport & Physical Activity Plan for County Carlow and Local Sports Partnership Active Carlow Strategic Plan.

Carlow has marked a significant milestone in community development with the launch of the Local Sport and Physical Activity Plan for County Carlow 2025 – 2029 and the Local Sports Partnership Active Carlow Strategic Plan. The event, held on Wednesday 27^th August in SETU Carlow South Sport Campus, brought together local and national leaders to celebrate a shared commitment to increasing participation in sport and physical activity across the county.

The Local Sport and Physical Activity Plan for County Carlow is one of four pilot initiatives nationally, developed as a direct action of the National Sports Policy. It represents a whole-of-council approach, formally adopted by Carlow County Council and shaped through extensive consultation with over 600 residents, young people, stakeholders, and community representatives. The plan sets out clear priorities including more low-cost and beginner-friendly opportunities, enhanced promotion of existing activities, and a strong emphasis on inclusivity for under-represented groups.

Launched alongside it, the Active Carlow Strategic Plan 2025–2029 is the first strategy under the Local Sports Partnership’s new identity, Active Carlow. Guided by the theme Moving Together, it details how the Partnership will deliver the actions of the county-wide plan in practical, measurable ways through programmes, partnerships, and community initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Leas Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr Daniel Pender, said:

“This is a proud day for Carlow. The Local Sport and Physical Activity Plan for County Carlow represents a whole-of-council commitment to ensure that every person, regardless of age, ability, or background, can access opportunities to be active. Alongside it, the Active Carlow Strategic Plan provides the roadmap for delivery. Together, these two plans form a powerful framework for real change in our communities.”

Minister of State, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, welcomed the launch, noting Carlow’s role in shaping the national agenda:

“The Local Sport and Physical Activity Plan is more than a local initiative; it is part of a national effort to raise participation in sport to 60% by 2028. Carlow has shown leadership by listening to its community, aligning with national ambition, and ensuring that inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of this work.”

Louise Burke, Director of Participation in Sport Ireland, highlighted the significance of Carlow’s leadership:

“Local Sports Plans are a key participation objective of the Government’s National Sports Policy. The launch of County Carlow’s Local Sport and Physical Activity Plan is a big milestone for the county and its communities. With the development of this plan, Carlow County Council and Active Carlow have set out a strong ambition for the future of the county and how best to improve the physical activity levels of Carlow residents. I want to congratulate all involved in this plan and look forward to seeing Carlow ‘Moving Together’ more in the future.”

Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, Coilín O’Reilly, emphasised the council’s leadership and collaboration:

“These plans reflect the voices of our community, supported by national leadership from Sport Ireland and delivered locally through strong partnerships. The rebrand to Active Carlow captures the energy and ambition of our Local Sports Partnership, and with the theme Moving Together, we are committed to building a healthier, more connected Carlow.”

The development of both plans was a collaborative effort, drawing on the expertise of S3 Solutions, input from Carlow County Council staff and management, and guidance from the Active Carlow Advisory Committee and Local Sports Partnership team. Together, this partnership has captured the vision, energy, and momentum of Active Carlow as it begins this new chapter.

Both plans are aligned with Sport Ireland, Healthy Ireland, and the National Sports Policy, ensuring that Carlow is firmly positioned at the forefront of sport and physical activity development in Ireland.

You can read both documents here: