2024 – 2029 Strategic Plan

At Rowing Ireland, our mission is clear: to cultivate a sport that is deeply rooted in communities while achieving excellence on the global stage. Guided by our vision of a community-based sport, growing and thriving at local and international levels, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and sustainable environment where everyone can excel and enjoy the benefits of rowing.

Our Community Values
Our values are the foundation of all we do, shaping the culture of Rowing Ireland and inspiring our efforts to grow the sport:

Inclusive: Rowing is for everyone. We embrace individuals of all genders, backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

Transparent: Honesty and openness guide our operations, building trust within our community.

Respectful: Respect is at the core of every interaction, ensuring a positive and collaborative environment.

Fair: Equality is non-negotiable. Everyone deserves the same opportunities and treatment.

Committed: We are driven by passion and give our best to ensure the success of rowing at all levels.

Striving for Success: We aim high, balancing ambition with safety and integrity.

Enjoyment/Fun: Rowing is about more than achievements—it’s about the joy and camaraderie that come with the sport.

Strategic Framework: Core and Supporting Pillars
To realise our vision, Rowing Ireland has established a strategic plan built on core pillars and supported by initiatives that ensure sustainability and efficiency.

Core Pillars:

Women in Sport
Increase female participation across all aspects of rowing, including athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders.
Support the development of pathways that empower women to thrive at every level.

Competitions & Events
Create a well-aligned calendar of events that caters to all skill levels, from recreational to high-performance rowing.
Ensure events are inclusive, safe, and enjoyable for participants and spectators alike.

Performance
Position rowing as Ireland’s most successful Olympic and Paralympic sport.
Develop high-performance pathways that support sustainable success on the world stage.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Ensure rowing is accessible to all, regardless of background or ability.
Promote equal opportunities and celebrate the diversity within our rowing community.

Supporting Pillars:

Safety & Safeguarding
Make safety a priority in all activities, safeguarding the well-being of participants at every level.

Structure
Implement a governance model that supports effective decision-making and operational efficiency.

Stakeholders
Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve shared goals.

Finance & Commercial
Build a financial model that sustains growth and enables investment in key areas of the sport.

Key Actions: Turning Strategy Into Reality
To deliver on our vision, we have outlined the following actionable goals:

Clubs: Foster strong, sustainable clubs that nurture rowers both on and off the water.

Participation: Increase rowing participation across all demographics and disciplines.

Facilities: Provide accessible, high-quality facilities at regional levels while supporting clubs in their development efforts.

Coaching & Officiating: Develop robust pathways to grow the number and expertise of coaches and officials.

Women in Sport: Empower more women to participate, coach, lead, and officiate in rowing.

Competitions & Events: Design a fit-for-purpose calendar that aligns with our participation and performance goals.

Performance: Support athletes and teams to achieve success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Ensure that rowing offers equal opportunities for everyone to participate and succeed.

Safety & Safeguarding: Maintain safety as a top priority across all activities and events.

Role & Structure: Optimise governance and operational frameworks to support our strategic goals.

Stakeholder Management: Align with and proactively engage key stakeholders to drive collaborative success.

Financial & Commercial: Build a sustainable financial model that enables investment in priority areas.

Rowing Ireland is more than a sport—it is a community. By working together with our clubs, athletes, and stakeholders, we can transform our strategic ambitions into tangible achievements.

Whether on the water, at events, or behind the scenes, everyone has a role to play in the growth and success of rowing. Together, we will ensure the sport thrives, locally and internationally, for generations to come.