The Government as approved the returning to training for high performance and professional athletes across the country.
From Monday 8th June, a number of high performance athletes, professional athletes and League of Ireland and inter-provincial rugby teams can return to training.
The decision follows a proposal from Sport Ireland which includes the reopening of a number of Sport Campus Ireland facilities including the national aquatic centre in Dublin.
Those permitted to return to training, with the express approval of their National Governing Body:
- High performance athlete: An individual who is included on the 2020 Sport Ireland International Carding Scheme and/or a identified senior athlete in a National Governing Bodies that is in receipt of Sport Ireland High Performance Programme Funding.
- Professional athlete: an individual who derives a living from competing in football or rugby as identified by the respective governing bodies.
High Performance Facilities permitted to open for identified high performance athletes:
- Sport Ireland Campus at Blanchardstown, Dublin
- Morton Stadium, Santry, Dublin
- Irish Sailing High Performance HQ, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
- National Rowing Centre, Ovens, Co. Cork
- Golf Union of Ireland Academy, Carton House, Kildare
- Training venues for Dundalk F.C, Derry City F.C, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers.
- Training venues for Connacht, Leinster and Munster Rugby.
“Sport Ireland welcomes the commitment of Government to high performance sport in Ireland” said Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy.
“Since Covid-19 restrictions were put in place in March, the operations of our high performance programmes have been significantly affected.”
“The athletes have shown great dedication in continuing to train on an individual basis in their remote environments.”
“However, sports that are facility dependent or team based cannot easily replicate the benefits of training at their home environment.”
“Sport Ireland has worked closely with our funded bodies to understand their requirements in order to return to training in a safe and controlled manner and has advocated on their behalf to ensure a prompt return with appropriate protocols in place.“
“Sport Ireland would like to acknowledge Ministers Ross and Griffin for their support in enabling this to be facilitated.”
In order to facilitate the return to training by identified high performance athletes and professionals, National Governing Bodies were required to prepare detailed protocols outlining how athletes and support personnel will be kept safe as the country moves through the various stages of the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
All of these protocols have been signed-off by the Expert Group on Return to Sport.
