327. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures that are being taken to increase adult participation in gym, leisure centre and swimming pool activities; and if he will outline any engagement he has had with stakeholders on the matter. [66629/26]

Increasing participation levels in sport among all cohorts is a key objective of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027 and is a priority for me in my role as Minister for Sport.

The results of the Irish Sports Monitor 2025 survey show that participation in sport remains at historically high levels. The report found that 49% of adults participate in sport, including personal exercise, on a weekly basis, representing the highest number of people participating in sport ever recorded in Ireland and demonstrating that Ireland remains on track towards the National Sports Policy target of 50% of adults actively participating in sport by 2027.

The Irish Sports Monitor 2025 also shows that participation  has remained strong among both women and men. While the gap has narrowed significantly over time, the report indicates a gender participation gap of 4%.

Last year, Sport Ireland announced an investment of €4 million under the Women in Sport programme for 2026. This is critical funding and my Department will continue to support programmes to increase women’s participation in all sports to eliminate the gender participation gap by 2027 as outlined in the National Sports Policy.

Sport Ireland's network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) also plays a crucial role in increasing participation levels in sport and physical activity particularly in underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. The LSPs deliver targeted programmes to a range of cohorts including young persons, the unemployed, and those living in disadvantaged communities.

Despite recent progress, there is an enduring participation gap in sport between persons with either a long-term illness or a disability and those without such illness or disability. Both the Government and Sport Ireland are committed to making this participation gap a thing of the past.

Increased funding of €1million was allocated in Budget 2025 to establish a new and dedicated Disability in Sport funding stream. The Disability in Sport Lead who was appointed in February 2025, is collaborating with National Government Bodies (NGBs), LSPs, and other funded organisations, developing programmes aimed at promoting accessibility and participation for individuals with disabilities.

Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy sets out a vision to provide everyone in our country with an opportunity to swim. It includes an Action Plan containing over fifty actions across five thematic strands, focusing on providing improved facilities, increasing access for people with disabilities, improving the culture of inclusion, better coaching supports, increasing safety awareness and providing a pathway that allows for the nurturing and development of potential high performers.

In support of the National Swimming Strategy, my Department provided additional funding of €500,000 to Swim Ireland in 2024 and 2025 for the deployment of swimming activators to work within local authority areas, focusing on increasing participation amongst under-represented groups and improving coaching supports and facilities. This additional funding will be continued in 2026, delivering a total investment of €1.5 million over three years. The impact of local activation is already being felt on the ground as evidenced by the number of participation programmes and partnerships initiated.

As Minister of State for Sport, I will continue to promote sport to all cohorts and work to remove any barrier to participation.