Mayo outdoor swimming groups encouraged to apply for funding
Funding of €400,000 has been announced to support participation in outdoor swimming infrastructure projects across Ireland. In order to further promote outdoor swimming, the funding will be made available to Local Sports Partnerships, working in tandem with local authorities, to improve access and facilities at outdoor swimming locations in 2026.
Mayo Sports Partnership is now seeking expressions of interest for Healthy Ireland Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Funding to support the Actions from the National Sports Policy and the National Physical Activity Plan and Sport Ireland Participation Plan. This will increase the opportunities to partake in outdoor swimming across Mayo.
All projects are offered through a competitive bid process and will be evaluated against the criteria set in the application forms and guidelines document.
The scheme, supported by Sport Ireland, has a total available fund of €25,000 which is categorized under 2 headings:
Participation: invites groups to submit proposals for markers buoys, changing shelters, outdoor showers, inclusive equipment, beach wheelchairs, beach mats, etc.
Safety and Access: invites groups to submit proposals for ladders, handrails, safety signage, rescue and safety equipment, etc
Full directions of how to apply can be viewed on the Mayo Sports Partnership website here. In order to complete the online form, you will need to register on the consult platform, and details of how to do this are also contained at the above web address.
Groups are asked to note that applications from safe outdoor swimming areas will be prioritised under this initiative. In addition, with the limited amount of total funding available ie €25,000, the evaluation subcommittee may decide on partial funding towards a project. In this case applicants may need to demonstrate matching funding.
Commenting on the initiative Mayo Sports Partnership Head Charlie Lambert said: “Open water swimming has become very popular in recent years and in Mayo we have a number of excellent locations. While this scheme is limited, it’s a recognition of increased participation and of work done by local voluntary groups”
All applications are to be made online, and the closing date is at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026. The maximum allocation to any one project will be determined by a Mayo Sports Partnership Sub Committee, and this is dependent on meeting the criteria and overall quality of the initiative. The Mayo Sports Partnership committee will decide on all successful applications and its recommendations are final. If groups require assistance on the scheme they can contact Kieran Reilly, Outdoor Recreation Officer by emailing kreilly@mayococo.ie, or phone 094 9064823.