LIMERICK is the first Irish city to be officially awarded Global Active City status – an internationally recognised quality mark that reflects the city’s commitment to physical activity, health, and wellbeing.
The designation follows a rigorous 18-month assessment and places Limerick among an elite group of 11 cities worldwide recognised for excellence in promoting active, healthy lifestyles through strategic planning, inclusive programmes, and cross-community collaboration.
The Global Active City framework was originally developed in partnership with leading global organisations including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), UNESCO, and the World Health Organisation (WHO), alongside other international partners.
The certification process was led by Limerick Sports Partnership, which coordinated the submission, assessment, and stakeholder engagement on behalf of the city.
The process commenced with a comprehensive questionnaire and was followed by a series of online and in-person audits conducted by the certification body, the Active Wellbeing Initiative. The designation was formally confirmed at a certification event in Rotterdam in November.
Speaking following the announcement, Phelim Macken, Limerick Sports Partnership said, said that “achieving Global Active City status is a significant milestone for Limerick and a strong endorsement of the collective work taking place across the city and county to make physical activity accessible to everyone”.
A defining feature of Limerick’s successful application was the high level of collaboration across agencies and sectors. Significant contributions were made throughout the auditing process by Limerick City and County Council and its Active Travel team, the HSE, the University of Limerick, and a wide range of local community and voluntary organisations.
Active Cities Officer Pat Quigley highlighted the importance of this collective approach, saying that “what stood out during the certification process was the depth of collaboration and shared ambition across Limerick”.
“Global Active City status recognises not just individual initiatives, but a whole-system approach to active living — from infrastructure and active travel to community programmes, health services and education.”
Limerick has already delivered a broad range of programmes, policies and infrastructure initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to participation, increasing physical activity levels, promoting social connection, and supporting long-term health outcomes for people of all ages and abilities.
The achievement of Global Active City status provides a strong international benchmark for this work and a platform to build on existing progress, further embedding physical activity, sport, and wellbeing into everyday life across the city and county.