Ministers for Health, Culture, Communications and Sport launch National Physical Activity Framework and Action Plan
- Foilsithe: 15 Deireadh Fómhair 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 15 Deireadh Fómhair 2025
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill; Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan; together with Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue today launched the National Physical Activity Framework 2024–2040.
The framework sets out Ireland’s ambitious vision to become the most physically active population in Europe by 2040 by creating enabling environments. The framework’s objectives will be driven by three action plans, the first of which is being published today.
In line with international best practice, the plan sets out actions for improvement across eight areas: Active Travel, Active Urban Design, Healthcare, Public Education including Mass Media, Sport and Recreation for All, Workplaces and Community-Wide programmes.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
"Since the launch of Ireland’s first Physical Activity Plan in 2016 we have made huge progress across a range of sectors in supporting people to live more physically active lives. Now, with our new Framework and Action Plan, we are aiming higher.
"The new strategy will enhance national efforts to promote regular movement for people of all ages. It recognises that we all have a shared responsibility across sectors to create environments and communities that support people to engage in regular physical activity, I thank my colleagues for their ongoing support and look forward to continuing our work together under the Healthy Ireland framework."
Minister O’Donovan said:
"The new Framework sets out an ambitious goal of Ireland becoming the most physically active population in Europe by 2040, a place where everybody has the opportunity to live, enjoy and reap the benefits associated with implementing physical activity throughout their daily lives."
Physical inactivity is a major public health challenge, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the fourth leading cause of mortality globally—on a par with smoking. It contributes to increased risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and certain cancers.
The Framework and associated Action Plan have been developed by the Department of Health in conjunction with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. The development process involved extensive engagement with multiple government departments, as well as NGOs, researchers, and stakeholders from a variety of sectors.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
"Physical activity provides a range of benefits to our physical and mental health in both the short and long term. By supporting more people to be physically active, we are not just improving quality of life for the individual, but also improving overall population health.
"My priority as Minister with responsibility for Health and Wellbeing is to deliver the vision of Healthy Ireland and to support people to be healthy at all stages of life.
"To do this, we must continue to work together across sectors, to build on our successes to date and to shape and develop communities where physical activity can be enjoyed by all. I look forward to continued collaboration with my colleagues to make this vision a reality."
Minister McConalogue said:
"Sport and physical activity play a vital role in improving overall health, and regular exercise and engagement in sport is crucial to staying physically and mentally fit. Sporting activities help tackle weight and obesity issues and play an important role in preventing or reducing the impact of many other health-related conditions."
Ireland’s performance to date has been encouraging. Eurobarometer data from 2022 shows that 14% of Irish adults engage in physical activity at least five times a week—well ahead of the European average of 6%.
Work on activating the Action Plan has commenced, including the formation of a Strategic Communications Group to align messaging and outreach efforts across physical activity programmes.
Visit National Physical Activity Plan to learn more.