Increased participation and improved funding are among the main elements in the new three-year strategy of the Irish Sports Council. Unveiled yesterday under the title "A New Era for Sport", it intends to chart a major shift in the development of Irish sport until the end of 2002.

This is the first major strategy produced by the Sports Council since becoming a statutory body just over a year ago and it includes a range of new provisions for both recreational and high performance sport in Ireland.

For the first time, the Council will create a national network of sports partnerships to meet the needs of sport at local level. The funding system for sports' National Governing Bodies will also change from the start of next year. In addition, increased emphasis will be placed on identifying and developing participants who have the potential to become world class stars.

Speaking at the launch in Dublin Castle yesterday, the Sports Council's Chief Executive John Treacy outlined the vision and challenges contained within the strategy. "Our intention is to be of value to everyone involved in sport, irrespective of their ability and background," he said. "That means increasing access and participation for all ages. It also means improving the effectiveness of Governing Bodies and creating an environment so that individuals of all levels can fairly develop their abilities."

The strategy was tailored from numerous National Governing Body workshops over the last few months, six public meetings nationwide and 73 written submissions on related matters. The three key elements focus on participation, performance and excellence, to be delivered through a range of mechanisms.

Central to the strategy will be the establishment of Local Sports Partnerships in each part of the country. "Sport is often poorly resourced at local level," said Treacy. "Governing bodies, local authorities and third level institutions have all made it clear the need for better co-ordination of sport. These partnerships will allow resources to be focused and programmes and facilities accessed in a way that has not yet been possible."

Part of that focus will be the provision of grant aid for the employment of Local Sports Co-ordinators. The first set of those will be in position by next year, with a target figure of 35 to be in place by the end of 2002.

Elsewhere, the system of funding for each National Governing Body will, from the start of next year, be divided between "core" and "challenge" funding. Core funding will cover administration, planning, competition, coaching, etc. Challenge funding, however, allows for additional funding on the basis of quality, credibility and sustainability of Governing Bodies proposals for increased participation. The system of grants for elite athletes is also set to be revised next year.

"Basically, it means funding for Governing Bodies will be based on performance," said Treacy. "That already happens to a large extent and core funding will always be there but there is more scope now for an increase based on high performance and participation."

The Government will provide £29.8 million in funding to the Sports Council over the period of the strategy. The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr James McDaid, offered his full support to the strategy as a significant and focused approach to the promotion and development of sport in the country.

"It is my belief that if sport is to develop within Ireland, it must be fostered at a local level," he said. "In that regard, the establishment of local sports partnerships will provide the incentive to local communities to participate in sport on a regular basis, for enjoyment, competition, or health."

Other areas covered by the strategy include concepts of fair play. The Council will implement the "Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland" to promote anti-doping education, research and testing. The Council has also undertaken to facilitate meaningful research to inform its decision making and monitor success.