Landmark NEIC Health and Wellbeing Report Launched, Highlighting the Positive Impact of Community Sport

Dublin, 22nd June 2026   The North East Inner City (NEIC) Health and Wellbeing Report was officially launched today by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, at a special event in the GAA National Handball Centre, Dublin 3.

The Report, a result of a collaborative partnership between the North East Inner City Initiative, Dublin City Council, Dublin City University, and Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics, provides the most comprehensive evaluation to date of sport and wellbeing initiatives operating across the NEIC and their contribution to community health, participation and social connection.

The research found that participation in community sport and wellbeing initiatives is contributing to positive health behaviours, with 37% of participants reporting enhanced physical activity levels, 18% demonstrating greater awareness of the value of exercise, 13% reporting increased motivation towards healthier lifestyles, and 10% experiencing improved social skills and stronger social connections.

Among young participants, the findings were particularly encouraging with 83% of the children assessed demonstrating moderate to high levels of health literacy, while physical literacy outcomes were found to be comparable with international benchmarks. 

The findings demonstrate the significant reach and impact of the community-based sport and wellbeing programmes engaging more than 7,000 people annually, including children and young people, adults, older people, people with disabilities, individuals in addiction recovery, and members of new communities including migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Factors identified which drive participation include safe and supportive environments, strong friendships and social networks, and inclusive programmes where individuals feel welcome and capable of taking part regardless of previous experience or ability.

Launching the report, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, said, "The North East Inner City is a community defined by resilience, pride and a strong commitment to supporting its people. This Report provides compelling evidence of the positive difference that community sport and wellbeing initiatives are making every day. Beyond the health benefits, these programmes are building confidence, strengthening social connections and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to participate fully in community life. The findings demonstrate the value of sustained investment in community-led initiatives and the important role they play in shaping healthier and more inclusive communities."

Patricia King, Independent Chairperson of the NEIC Programme Implementation Board, commented, "This Report gives the NEIC Initiative the evidence needed to demonstrate impact, guide future development, and support sustainable investment in community health and wellbeing.  Evidence matters because it helps ensure that what we do delivers real and lasting benefits."

Lead Researcher Maeve Murray, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, and Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics said, "It has been a privilege to engage in this collaboration, working directly with community members and the NEIC Programme team in the design of this research. This study highlights how community-based sport and wellbeing initiatives contribute to positive health outcomes, increased participation and stronger social connections. The findings demonstrate internationally comparable outcomes in key areas such as physical literacy and health literacy, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen impact through greater focus on fundamental movement skills, organisational capacity and long-term evaluation in health and wellbeing. Importantly, the research highlights the critical role that supportive, inclusive and community-led environments play in engaging people and sustaining participation."

Areas identified to strengthen the long-term impact include supporting leadership development and organisational capacity, deepening partnerships between community organisations, schools and local stakeholders, prioritising youth movement skill development and embedding long-term monitoring and evaluation systems to support continuous improvement.

The Report concludes that sport and wellbeing initiatives in the North East Inner City represent a powerful mechanism for supporting community health and wellbeing, participation and social connection. By building on existing strengths and investing in evidence-informed development, the NEIC Initiative is well positioned to deliver sustained improvements in health and wellbeing outcomes for years to come.

ENDS