Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership (WSRP), in collaboration with Wicklow Libraries, launched a new initiative on Friday, April 24th at Wicklow Town Library that will see Activator Poles made available to borrow free of charge through the county’s library network.

A total of 130 sets of Activator Poles have been distributed across 13 libraries, allowing library members to borrow them at no cost, similar to other library resources. The initiative aims to provide an accessible and practical way for people to engage in physical activity without financial barriers.

The participating libraries are: Arklow, Aughrim, Ballywaltrim, Baltinglass, Blessington, Bray, Carnew, Dunlavin, Enniskerry, Greystones, Rathdrum, Tinahely, and Wicklow Town.

The project has been supported through funding from the Sport Ireland Dormant Accounts Fund and reflects a collaborative approach to promoting physical activity through existing community services.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan said: “This initiative demonstrates how our public services can work together to support community wellbeing in a practical way. Making Activator Poles available through libraries is a simple but effective way to encourage people to be more active.”

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, welcomed the initiative, saying, “It’s great to see our libraries continuing to evolve as hubs for community wellbeing. This initiative offers a simple and welcoming way for people to get active and try something new in their own time.”

Theresa O’Brien, Director of Services, Wicklow County Council commented, “This is a simple but impactful initiative that makes physical activity more accessible to people in their own communities.”

Margaret Birchall, County Librarian, said, “Libraries continue to expand the range of services we offer to the public. Providing Activator Poles as part of our lending service is a natural extension of this, giving people access to equipment they may not otherwise try.”

Ashley Wynne, Sports Inclusion Development Officer with Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership, added, “Making the poles available to borrow through libraries removes a key barrier for many people. It gives individuals the opportunity to try them out in their own time and decide if it’s something that works for them.”

To support the rollout, Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership will also deliver a number of Activator Poles taster programmes in Arklow, Bray, Wicklow Town, and Blessington. These sessions will introduce participants to the equipment and demonstrate how to use it correctly.

Places on the taster programmes can be booked via www.wicklowlsp.ie, or further information is available through local libraries.