Jul 29, 2021
A busy few months for Irish Wheelchair Association Sport as clubs and athletes returned to activity across the country.
Following the start of the country’s re-opening, our clubs got back training together where the focus was on fun and socialising once again. One third of our clubs have returned to date with many more waiting on the return to indoor sport.
Last month, in partnership with Mayo Sports Partnership, we organised a ‘Come & Try’ event in Castlebar which was great success. Those who attended got to experience Para Athletics and Wheelchair Basketball, among other games and activities. Massive thank you to the Mayo Sports Partnership for organising the event and for the parents, coaches and athletes who attended on the evening. The aim now is to build on momentum and interest to establish a full-time multi-sport junior club for children with physical disabilities in partnership with Mayo LSP while also getting them involved in future IWA-Sports.
Our summer camp season began at the beginning of July with our annual members camp which was a massive success. The camp was ran in collaboration with SIDOS Lisa & Nuala from Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing partnership. Participants enjoyed Seated Volleyball, Wheelchair Hurling, Boccia, Orienteering, Wheelchair Tennis-Enjoy Tennis, Boxing with Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership, Yoga & mediation, Wheelchair Basketball, and our very own Ciara Staunton delivered a fantastic Wheelchair Rugby session. Huge thanks to the many staff from the aforementioned NGBS who supported the delivery of many of the activities. The summer camp fun has continued outdoors for our local community in St Anne’s Park where we continue to showcase our many para sports.
On July 25th, our first competition since March 2020 took place with the beginning of the Para Athletics Grand Prix and the first event, the Jamie Boyle Games, taking place in Templemore AC. A very excited group took part in their first event in over 18months much to everyone’s delighted at the venue. A number of other Para Athletic events are due to take place in the coming weeks with competitions running to September.
We continue to enjoy our collaboration with Basketball Ireland over the summer months, where Wheelchair Basketball features as part of the outdoor 3×3 tournaments at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. This has been a fantastic success in terms of the outdoor option provided and raising the profile of 3X3 Wheelchair Basketball.
Lastly the very best of luck to the many IWA-Sport athletes on the Irish Paralympic Team competing in Tokyo 2020.
Jul 29, 2021
Archery Ireland is pleased to announce that Kerrie Leonard has qualified for the Tokyo Paralympic Games in the Para-Archery Individual Compound Open. After an incredibly tough qualifying campaign, all at Archery Ireland are very proud of Kerrie and wish her every luck.
Congratulations, Kerrie!
Jul 28, 2021
Get Ireland Paddling. New Participation Website
In a very positive move for casual paddlers Canoeing Ireland has launched a new website www.getirelandpaddling.ie/ with a wealth of useful information for everyone from first time or occasional paddlers to enthusiasts who are trying a new craft or looking for new challenges.
With an emphasis on water safety, the site offers easy to follow guidelines on the basic requirements for safe paddling. Our recognised activity providers and watersports retailers are listed with contact details for ease of access.
The extraordinary growth in popularity of paddlesports from stand-up paddleboards to sit on top kayaks along with the more traditional craft is a good news story. The information on safety and basic equipment required for safe paddling on the new site will make sure that everyone returns home safely at the end of a fun filled day.
Present at the recent launch of the new website were Sport Ireland director of participation & ethics Dr Una May, Canoeing Ireland chief executive officer Moira Aston, Canoeing Ireland president Brian Ogilvie, and RNLI water safety delivery support officer Lisa Hollingum. The new safety campaign is also being supported by Water Safety Ireland.
‘Recite me’ Canoeing Ireland Website Accessibility
Canoeing Ireland is committed to becoming a more inclusive organisation for all and so, we have now added a new Accessibility Toolbar on our website. ‘Recite me’ is innovative cloud based software that lets visitors to our website view and use it in the way that works best for them, this set of tools allows users to remove, re-colour and enhance the website content to make it easier for all user to use.
We will be developing the accessibility information on our website in the coming months so that people of all abilities can find the information they need on paddlesports through our website. The new accessibility tools can be found through the yellow ‘Accessibility Tools’ button on the top of every page on canoe.ie.
Paddle Able. Accessible Paddlesports
With support from the Dormant Accounts Fund, Canoeing Ireland are partnering with our clubs for running an introductory paddling programme for people with additional needs in their local community.
The aim of the Paddle-Able Programme is to:
- Enable more opportunities for people with disabilities to find longevity in paddlesports within their local community.
- Increase opportunities for people with disabilities to join local clubs.
- Encourage and support club members to run the Paddle-Able programme
- Encourage and support more clubs to engage with people in their community with additional needs.
Women in Sport. Bridge the Gap Funding
Canoeing Ireland are excited to announce an increase in Women in Sport funding for 2021/2022. We thank Sport Ireland for allocating €100,000 to continue developing our women in sport initiative Bridge the Gap. This initiative aims to achieve gender equity across all levels of paddlesports by addressing key areas:
- Regular Participation
- Leadership & Governance
- Coaching & Officiating
- Visibility – online and on the water
We have seen many successes resulting from Bridge the Gap over the previous two years and are confident that we will see many more. Well done to all who have helped us to come this far, and a special thanks to all Bridge the Gap Ambassadors who have been enthusiastically developing women in sport opportunities throughout the country over the past two years.
Jul 28, 2021
Sport Ireland and key stakeholders have come together to encourage everyone to be alert to water safety this summer.
Over the last few months there have been many successful campaigns and initiatives in regards to educating the public on water safety. While all stakeholders of this campaign have particular responsibilities and objectives, we all have the same overriding priority which is the safety of all participants in outdoor physical activities. By pooling resources and collaborating on this campaign, we all hope to spread the message on water safety, and encourage people to be safe on the water and save lives.
We are privileged to live on an island with an abundance of water to enjoy and we are spoilt with the choice of activities or enjoyment that people of all ages and abilities can derive from the water. The outdoors has acted as an escape for many during the last year and there has been a significant increase in the number of people taking to the water and enjoying water based activities.
It is however critical that everyone respects the dangers that exist around water and that that people know how to be safe around, on and in the water.
Everyone is encouraged to familiarise themselves with and follow these key water safety messages:
- Check weather, water conditions and tides before going on or in the water
- Let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back
- Do not go alone, even if whoever you bring doesn’t get on or in the water
- Have a method of calling for help. In emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
- Use an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid if you are doing activities on the water
- Ensure you are visible in the water and do not go in or on the water during reduced light
- Do not use inflatable toys in open water
It is important that parents and guardians educate children on these key water safety messages and that people are aware of the many hazards of swimming in undesignated areas.
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast dial 112/999 or use VHF Ch 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Follow the links below to find out more about education and water safety advice for specific water based activities or learn about general water safety education from the key stakeholders.
This Statement is endorsed by:
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Department of Defence – Office of Emergency Planning – www.gov.ie/summerready
The Department of Rural and Community Development
Local Government Management Association and the local authorities
Water Safety Ireland – www.watersafety.ie/open-water-swimming/
RNLI – www.rnli.org/safety
Coast Guard
Failte Ireland
Coillte
Leave No Trace Ireland www.leavenotraceireland.org
Waterways Ireland
Dublin Mountains Partnership
Swim Ireland – www.swimireland.ie/open-water
Canoeing Ireland – www.canoe.ie/safety-on-the-water/
Irish Surfing – www.irishsurfing.ie/safety-environment/safe-surfing
Irish Sailing www.sailing.ie
The Irish Underwater Council www.diving.ie
Fingal Sports Partnership
Tipperary Sports Partnership
Carlow Sports Partnership
Cavan Sports Partnership
Donegal Sports Partnership
Galway Sports Partnership
Waterford Sports Partnership
Meath Sports Partnership
Kerry Sports Partnership
Louth Sports Partnership
Kilkenny Sports Partnership
Limerick Sports Partnership
Ends
For Further Information:
David Gash
Communications Manager, Sport Ireland
087-2277643
dgash@sportireland.ie
Jul 27, 2021
17th June 2021
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council working with local partners to enable older adults and people with a physical disability to cycle in the County.
From Monday 21 Jun booking of Trishaws or inclusive bikes available via a dedicated portal at www.thebikehub.ie
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to announce the launch of a new free inclusive bike rental scheme that will provide all abilities and ages the opportunity to, initially, take part in cycling along the Coastal Mobility Route (CMR) in Dún Laoghaire, and will extend to other accessible and suitable routes across the county, in due course. Following a collaboration with DLR Sports Partnership, The Bike Hub and Cycling Without Age, older adults and people with a disability can now book a range of inclusive bikes to cycle along this accessible route.
Cycling uptake has increased significantly in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County and the Council envisions establishing an inclusive culture where people of all ages and abilities can consider cycling as their preferred mode of transportation. There are strong opportunities for delivering great community services and developing new concepts and projects that will continue to place Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown as the most cycle and mobility-friendly location in the country.
Speaking of the launch An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Lettie McCarthy said;
“I am delighted that the Council and its partners have been able to bring this innovative project forward. It is testament to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdowns continuing commitment to inclusion, mobility and accessibility. This project will help to provide active mobility options to everyone, no matter their age or ability. “
This new inclusive fleet includes two brand new electric Trishaws which are designed to carry one or two people with a mobility issue at the front and allow them to enjoy the sensation of cycling with the wind in their hair. These specialised Trishaws require a pilot to safely operate them and these volunteers are trained and supported by Cycling Without Age who deliver this service in a number of locations around Ireland. Older adults and people with limited mobility now have the opportunity to go on a cycle at an easy pace, taking in the sights and sounds of the coastline of the CMR, whatever the weather.
This new inclusive bike fleet will also have a range of DLR Sports Partnership bikes (a tandem bike, handcycle and specialised trike) for hire by children or adults with a disability. The bikes will be located at and hired from a new purpose built unit, located at Dún Laoghaire harbour, across from the existing R.N.L.I. shop where they will be managed and rented out by The Bike Hub, which is a social enterprise focused on supporting the community in cycling-related activities. An online booking portal will be available for members of the public to select the appropriate bike and slot they require. The Bike Hub staff will then be on site to facilitate this as well as assist with the correct use of these bikes.
The dlr Disability & Consultation Group (DCG), one of the project partners, play a role in recommending improvements and greater inclusion to dlr County Council. Their work helps to provide awareness of and insight into the needs for greater accessibility to Council services, e.g beaches, parks and new cycle ways. DCG Interim Chair Helena Mollaghan and NCBI Advocate stated that as Interim Chair she “very much welcomes the introduction of the Bikehub project”.
Robert Burns, dlr Director of Service of Infrastructure and Climate Action added;
“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council values inclusiveness and accessibility and would like as wide a range of users as possible to safely enjoy the mobility infrastructure available across the county. We hope that this scheme will be a success and that it can be developed and expanded across the county and, indeed, may be become a model to be adopted by other local authorities in time.”
This project has possible due to months of planning and collaboration between these partners who are all working to provide all abilities and ages an opportunity to participate in and enjoy cycling. With bookings starting for the Trishaws at the end of June and other inclusive cycles in the coming days, this service will be available throughout the summer and autumn.
Funding for this project has been secured from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and Sport Ireland through the Dormant Accounts Fund and Active Dublin. In addition Canada Life Re-insurance have very kindly donated funding to support the purchase of one of the Trishaws.
To book one of these Trishaws or inclusive bikes see www.thebikehub.ie. Website and booking open from Monday 21st June. For more details on this project or queries around the sport of cycling for people with a disability please contact Brian in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership on 01-2719506 or email bodonnell@dlrcoco.ie.
Jul 6, 2021
Stresses that only reductions in premiums will prove that actions are working
Urges Government “don’t leave anyone behind” in insurance reform plans
The Alliance for Insurance Reform has welcomed the Government’s publication of the first implementation report of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform.
Peter Boland, Director of the Alliance said that “We welcome this report and the actions it summarises. But the plan can only be deemed to be working when insurance premiums start to fall. The cost of insurance is based on future risk; and future risk has halved as a result of the new judicial Guidelines in place since April 24th. But there in no evidence that insurers are passing on the benefits of these reductions.
“Additionally, all the reform that has happened or is promised to happen is of no value to SMEs or voluntary & community groups if they cannot get insurance cover or there is only one underwriter prepared to offer cover. We have identified 35 sectors1 in this predicament.
“It is up to the Government to apply relentless pressure on insurers to react to significant reforms with significance price reductions and it is up to Government to ensure more competition is brought into the Irish insurance market now. We urge the Government to avoid leaving any sector behind as insurance reforms are implemented.”
ENDS
NOTE: The Government’s press release is copied below.
1Sectors, sub-sectors and groups of individuals that are struggling to get cover at all right now or are reduced to one underwriter who is effectively in a monopolist’s situation (even if this in inadvertent, because other underwriters have pulled out of the market) include:
- Adventure centres that deal with children
- Artists, arts workers and arts organisations
- Bike hire shops on greenways and elsewhere
- Bouncy castle operators
- Caravan & Camping Parks
- Car rental
- Childcare providers
- Childminders
- Children’s’ play centres
- Children’s playgrounds (non-local authority)
- Circuses (both community and commercial)
- Climbing walls
- Coasteering
- Drivers of older cars
- Equestrian sports
- Festivals and events
- High ropes (adventure centres)
- Home care providers
- Ice skating
- Incoming tour operators
- Independent marts
- Karting tracks
- Late night venues
- Minority sports
- Mountain biking
- Nursing homes
- Outdoor adventure centres
- Private scheduled buses
- Street artists
- Taxis
- Trampoline centres
- Travel agents
- Tyre depots
- Vehicle recovery operations
- Young drivers
For further information contact:
Peter Boland
ALLIANCE FOR INSURANCE REFORM
TEL: 086 826 6036
WEB: insurancereform.ie
FB: /insurancereformireland
TW: @InsuranceRefIre
