Minister launches Roscommon Healthy Ireland programme
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Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Healthy Ireland Fund initiative which was launched by Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hildegarde Naughton in Aras an Chontae, Roscommon were, back row, from left: Cllr Kathleen Shanagher, Cllr John Naughten, Cllr Laurence Fallon, Cllr John Cummins, Cllr Liam Callaghan, Senator Eugene Murphy and Senator Aisling Dolan. Front row (l. to r.): Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council; Cllr John Keogh, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council; Sabrina Lawless, Healthy Ireland, County Co-Ordinator, Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hildegarde Naughton and Una Ní Chuinn, Healthy Ireland Roscommon committee and Acting Senior Executive Officer, Community and Enterprise, Roscommon County Council. PhotoS: Ger O’Loughlin. GOLImage 2 of 4
Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Healthy Ireland Fund initiative were representatives of Roscommon LEADER Partnership, together with Healthy Ireland Co-Ordinator Sabrina Lawless (extreme right of picture); Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh (third from left); Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hildegarde Naughton (centre) and Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan (third from right). Also in picture are (l. to r.): Linda Devine, SICAP Lead Co-Ordinator, Roscommon LEADER Partnership; Ronan Bilbow, Rural Recreation Officer (second left of picture) and Gail Murray, Roscommon Traveller Health Project Co-Ordinator, Roscommon LEADER Partnership (second from right). GOLImage 3 of 4
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton speaking at the launch. GOLImage 4 of 4
Members of Roscommon Sports Partnership, led by Noel Feely (extreme left of picture) pictured at the launch of the Healthy Ireland Fund Roscommon initiative last week. Also in picture are (front row, l. to r.): Cllr John Keogh, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council; Healthy Ireland Co-Ordinator for Roscommon, Sabrina Lawless; Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hildegarde Naughton and Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council. GOLDetails of Roscommon’s Healthy Ireland Fund (HIF) 2023-25 were announced by Minister of State at the Department of Health Hildegarde Naughton at a formal launch in Aras an Chontae, Roscommon last week.
Roscommon County Council has been approved for a budget of €75,000 for 2023 and €40,000 per annum for 2024-2025 of the Healthy Ireland Fund. A new Healthy County Coordinator, Sabrina Lawless, has been appointed in Roscommon and the objectives of Roscommon’s Healthy Ireland programme is to increase the physical activity and mental health of target groups.
In the next round of the Healthy Ireland Fund, there has been a shift from an activity-led programme to an evidence-based outcomes approach. The new strategy emphasises support for the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged groups and communities, aiming to tackle health inequalities effectively.
Moreover, the HIF adopts a partnership approach, ensuring active involvement of target groups and local stakeholders in the planning and implementation of activities to achieve the desired outcomes.
HIF’s partnerships with Roscommon Sports Partnership and Roscommon Leader Partnership demonstrates the collective belief in the power of working together towards a common goal. Upcoming initiatives include the 'Fit Farmers' campaign.
This initiative aims to encourage farmers to engage in more physical activity, leading to self-reported improvements in their active lifestyle. Other programs include the 'Transition Year on Your Bike' promotion, which focuses on increasing the number of students aged between 15 and 17 who cycle to school.
Other initiatives include an Age Friendly Activity Programme, which is aimed at increasing the overall health of our older population. Children's Multi Sports Camps will aim to encourage children aged between 5 and 17 years to try new forms of physical activity.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Naughton said the current round of HIF was a collaborative and multi-agency approach which would benefit the health and well-being of people of all ages in the county.
“It is wonderful to see so many people and groups come together with a shared vision to improve health and wellbeing facilities for the community. This vision has been turned into a reality here today thanks to the hard work and commitment of all involved”, the Minister remarked.
Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said the local authority would continue to enthusiastically support the latest round of the Healthy Ireland Fund, which he said would not only benefit the health and well-being of individuals but communities at large.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. John Keogh said the programme would have positive outcomes for society at large: “Healthier lifestyles means people can come together to exercise and engage in healthy activities that improve social inclusion and cohesion.
“Better healthy means less pressure on our health and mental health services. It enables people to fulfil their potential and allows for greater performance in the workplace, in the community and for individuals themselves.
“This initiative is a win-win for all of society,” said the Cathaoirleach.