Reflections on the Development of Physical Literacy in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Physical literacy has become a central concept in supporting lifelong participation in physical activity, health, and well-being. On the island of Ireland, its development since the early 2000s reflects both innovation and fragmentation. Early initiatives, particularly in Northern Ireland (NI), were ambitious but lacked coordination and sustainable structures. A shift occurred with the publication of the Coaching Strategy for Ireland 2008–2012 along with the introduction of the Lifelong Involvement in Sport and Physical Activity framework and the creation of an all-island cross-sectoral task group, encouraged more coherent progress. University-led programmes such as Y-Path, Project FLAME, and Moving Well-Being Well, along with school-based initiatives including the Curriculum Sport Programme in NI followed and advanced practice and evidence. More recent strategies, including Healthy Ireland – Get Ireland Active and Northern Ireland's Active Living strategy, highlight stronger policy integration. A major milestone was the 2022 launch of the All-Island Physical Literacy Consensus Statement, the first in Europe, offering a shared foundation for future development. The chapter identifies enduring barriers, highlights opportunities for advocacy and integration, and sets out recommendations to strengthen future developments that can enhance health, education, and well-being across both jurisdictions.