Free sports equipment lockers launched in East Mayo town

Mayo Sports Partnership in conjunction with Mayo County Council with support from the Participation Nation, Healthy Ireland, Dormant Account Funds and the Claremorris / Swinford Municipal District are delighted to launch the Ballyhaunis BoxUp Sports Equipment Storage Unit on the Friary Grounds.

This new and innovative free equipment sharing solution for parks and open spaces will provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to lead healthier lifestyles through increased access to free sport and leisure equipment.

At the launch of the Ballyhaunis locker at the multi use games area at the Friary Ballyhaunis Cllr Alma Gallagher stated, “The BoxUp initiative is a fantastic addition to the Friary Grounds Ballyhaunis . It is great to see this pilot project from Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo County Council, Ballyhaunis Sports Hub and Healthy Mayo supports people to enjoy physical activity. Having these in place will make being active more accessible for all.”

Box Up Sports Equipment Storage Lockers are focused on getting those who are least active in our society to be more active. In taking a multi-sectoral approach, the project is seeking to reduce the barriers to participation in physical activity, increase access and enhance the choice and opportunities available for all to take part in their local communities.

BoxUp lockers have already been successfully installed in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. With over 5,000 users and over 9,500 hours of recorded activity to date, not only can these lockers provide free access to equipment, but they also provide invaluable data on the usage of the equipment in each local area.

Mayo Sports Partnership Head Charlie Lambert commented, “Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to see the launch of BoxUp at The Friary Ballyhaunis. This pilot project aims to engage communities by supporting those who are educationally, socially, or economically disadvantaged or those who have a disability to become more active. We are delighted to collaborate with Claremorris / Swinford MD and Ballyhaunis Sports Hub 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.”

“If these boxes are successful and if we are able to access further funding through government supports we may look at extending this initiative in to other locations” he added.

The BoxUp lockers, which are solar powered, contain a variety of equipment based on the facilities and amenities in that area, and all equipment can be easily accessed through the use of a free app. Over the coming months usage of the boxes will be monitored and there may be an option to change the equipment on offer based on local feedback.

Outdoor Recreation Officer, Kieran Reilly explains, “You will just need to download the free BoxUp app on your smartphone, and create your account using photo ID. There are no credit card or bank details required, all equipment in the lockers is available to use free of charge. Just select on the app the equipment you want to use, and the locker will open. When you are finished your activity, simply place the equipment back in the locker and upload a picture to the app confirming you’ve returned it”.

This pilot initiative is mainly funded through the government’s 2024 Participation Nation grant and part supported by Dormant Account. There are four BoxUp’s located in Mayo, Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Westport and Castlebar.