Today, An Cathaoirleach Denis O’Callaghan officially launched the new BoxUp units which are located at Kilbogget Park and Marlay Park. Each station has six lockers with a variety of equipment to suit various needs and abilities, such as boules, Spike-ball and exercise equipment and is free to use.
Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council stated:
“BoxUp is an exciting and innovative approach to increasing physical activity in the County. It allows all members of the community, of all ages and abilities to make even better use of our parks and spaces. It is great to see new ideas being introduced and solutions to breaking down the barriers that can stop people from leading a healthy and active lifestyle.”
The introduction of BoxUp to Ireland is a collaborative initiative as part of Sport Ireland’s Active Cities project, aiming to improve opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, and to make it easier for them to choose to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
“We are delighted to be involved in this pilot project and to have BoxUp installed in Kilbogget Park and Marlay Park. We look forward to seeing the impact such a simple idea will have on our population in terms of health, physical activity and as well as social interaction in the parks.”
Sport Ireland Director of Participation, Louise Burke commented:
“Sport Ireland is delighted to see the launch of BoxUp in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown today. The Active Cities project is funded through Dormant Accounts Funding, which aims to engage communities across the country by supporting those who are educationally, socially, or economically disadvantaged or those who have a disability to become more active. It is fantastic to see Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership working with partners to ensure local communities have the best opportunity to be physically active in their area, making the most of the local amenities and the natural environment”.
The BoxUp units are co-funded through Dormant Account Grants and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.