The number of adults taking part in sport and recreational walking has reached unprecedented levels, Sport Ireland has said.

Furthermore, the number of adults described as sedentary has fallen to its lowest levels ever.

Research carried out on behalf of Sport Ireland has found that the current participation rate in sporting activity is 51%, with three sports dominating:
-Exercise (710,000 participants)
-Running (680,000)
-Cycling (510,000)

The number of adults taking part in recreational walking has increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, rising by a cumulative 18% during the period, to 83%. This is the highest level ever recorded and is equivalent to over 3.1 million people regularly walking.

Meanwhile, the proportion of adults described as sedentary has fallen from 22% to 11%, when compared with the same period in 2019.

This is the lowest level of sedentary behaviour ever recorded by Sport Ireland.

The research was carried out in five phases, beginning in late February. The latest phase covered the period April 30-May 15. Over 5,000 interviews were carried out during this period.

"Despite the restrictions in place around sports facilities, team sports and a number of other sporting activities, it is welcome to see that overall levels of participation are now greater than they were during the same period in 2019.

"It is really encouraging to see a strong uptake in recreational walking among those under the age of 35, in particular the 15-24 age group, where participation has jumped from 51% to 89% throughout the restrictions," commented Sport Ireland CEO, John Treacy.

He also pointed out that the gender gap in participation "is now virtually non-existent".

He described it as "highly encouraging" that Irish adults are seeking to look after their own health and wellbeing by taking part in regular sport and physical activity.

"The sports sector is continuing to innovate and support individuals in staying active in a safe manner. We look forward to the controlled reintroduction of more sporting activity in line with the Government's roadmap over the coming months," Mr Treacy added.

Sport Ireland is the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland. The research was carried out on behalf of it by Ipsos MRBI.