564. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health when the next round of the Healthy Ireland Fund for outdoor swimming will be open for applications; the way clubs will engage with this fund in advance of applications opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29542/26]

I was pleased to be able to announce on 7 April that €400,000 in funding has been allocated in 2026 to support participation in outdoor swimming across Ireland.

This is the third year of this Healthy Ireland initiative, which aims to support the growing popularity of outdoor swimming. Funding will be allocated to swimming projects nationwide to make them more accessible so that more people can enjoy its many health benefits. Applications for funding will be considered for designated swimming sites that wish to improve access, develop or improve changing facilities or purchase equipment to assist people with disabilities.

The funding will be administered by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health.

Applications for Healthy Ireland’s Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Fund can be made to Sport Ireland via Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships. The deadline for submissions is 17:00, Tuesday 5 May 2026.