Irish tourism and sport minister Michael Ring has launched the Link-2-B-Active initiative as a national programme, which aims to create greater opportunities for unemployed people.

First unveiled by the South Dublin Sports Partnership (SDSP) in 2009, the project provided unemployed people with access to sports facilities at a reduced rate to boost participation. SDSP linked individuals with venues such as gyms; leisure centres; all-weather pitches; and pitch and putts experiencing problems due to economic constraints themselves.

Having already supported 1,100 people and backed by 25 operators, Link-2-B-Active is set to be rolled out to all 32 local sports partnerships (LSPs) across the country. Ring said: "The expansion of the Link-2-B-Active initiative to all 32 LSPs is to be warmly welcomed and will provide great benefits to many unemployed people."

The Irish Sports Council is providing funding for the national roll-out.