Minister for Sport & Physical Education Launches Economic Impact of Sport in Castlebar Report
Date: 29-09-2023
Minister for Sport & Physical Education Launches Economic Impact of Sport in Castlebar Report
Monday 25th September saw Minister Thomas Byrne launch the Castlebar Chamber of Commerce commissioned Economic Impact of Sport in Castlebar report. The report confirms, in the most objective way possible, the contribution of sport (both individual and team based) to health, social inclusion, environmental and economic factors which contribute to Castlebar being an attractive town to live in and visit. For Castlebar and its environs the report confirms that the town is a premier destination for sports and leisure facilities. Maintaining such a status into the future will require investment for additional facilities and upgrades and collaboration between different groups, in order to facilitate demographic changes, ever increasing standards and higher levels of female participation, particularly in field sports. Sustainability and weather proofing factors must also be taken into consideration.
The sourcing and funding for all investments needs careful consideration as much will depend on Government intervention which is increasingly channelled through broad community-based groups and entities. The challenge for all sporting bodies in Castlebar is to consider how they can come together, in a community format, to leverage the existing infrastructure base and maximise the investment opportunities available from Government, while at the same time retaining their respective identities and ethos.
This report as previously stated was commissioned by Castlebar Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Mayo Local Action Group and South Mayo Development Company. It was also supported by Mayo Sports Partnership and sports leisure groups throughout Castlebar and its environs. The study seeks to evaluate and demonstrate the impact of sports and recreation in the town of Castlebar and its immediate hinterland through the operation of sports clubs, leisure facilities and other amenities. The value and impact of the sports sector in the town is examined from a number of perspectives from economic and commercial to health and wellbeing, access and inclusion and social cohesion.