Sport Ireland established the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) Network as an initiative to create a national structure to co-ordinate and promote the development of sport and participation at local level. LSPs aim to increase participation in sport and physical activity by breaking down barriers and increasing numbers of people 
participating and ensuring continued participation through all stages of life.

The aim of the Community Sports Development Officer is to strengthen and enhance the capacity of the LSPs to further develop locally led plans and develop more long term sustainable physical activity programmes under the National Physical Activity Plan (Action 46). Funding for the role of Community Sports Development Officer has been secured through Sport Ireland.