The Irish government will utilise funds sitting in dormant bank accounts by investing them in sport and physical activity measures.

In total, €4.2m will be given to Sport Ireland, who will use the grant to engage with communities across the country, focusing on people with disabilities, those who are educationally disadvantaged and those from disadvantaged communities.

Among the Dormant Accounts Fund projects are six new Community Sport and Physical Activity Hubs, with additional funding for 30 existing hubs.

"This funding will enable our local sports partnerships and national governing bodies to deliver a comprehensive programme of initiatives under the National Physical Activity Plan and in line with the National Sports Policy," said Sports minister Shane Ross.

Brendan Griffin, junior minister for sport, added: “The Dormant Accounts Funding has been vital to the growth of community and social cohesion through sport in disadvantaged areas around the country.

"The investment will support the continuation of this work but will also see the implementation of new initiatives and programmes which will further contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and communities."