Ireland

This chapter provides an in-depth view of sport for people living with disability in the Republic of Ireland, from policy to practice levels. Current sport policy for those living with disability stems mainly from the National Sports Policy 2018–2027, Sport Ireland Statement of Strategy 2018–2022, the National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland 2016 and the Sport Ireland Policy on Participation in Sport by People with Disabilities, 2019. Ireland has progressively advanced opportunities in and through sport for those with disabilities for over 60 years. Accelerated intentional government-led action has been evident since the mid-2000s. In particular, Special Olympics World Games 2003 had a formative role in stimulating public awareness and Irish political action concerning those living with disability, including in and through sport. Progress is evident, although many barriers remain. Purposeful actions towards universal practice should be considered to take the agenda forward at scale. Partnership approaches to developing and delivering associated sports-related policies and strategies to impact improved opportunities for people living with disability are very evident. Creating the ideal ecosystem for engagement in sport throughout the lifespan requires a whole of government and whole of society approach that touches on many systems and policies well beyond sport.