Athletics Ireland have struck a deal with DCU to develop athletics throughout the city ©Getty Images

Athletics Ireland has announced a three-year strategic partnership with Dublin City University (DCU) as they aim to deliver an athletics programme that will focus on high performance and participation. 

It will enable DCU to not only encourage participation in sport but also provide a professional environment for athletes to succeed as the university looks to become the best place in Ireland for athletes to train and study.

The agreement will ensure that there is support in growing the sport at the university, the opportunity to have dual careers with access to support and talent development programmes.

It will also aid with development of coaching, promotion of recreational running for wellbeing purposes and deliver high-quality athletics activities.

President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith, said, "This is another important milestone in the development of sport and wellbeing at DCU and I am delighted that our ongoing relationship with Athletics Ireland has developed into this strategic partnership. 

"This is a win-win outcome for both organisations and the primary beneficiaries will be talented student athletes."

Some of DCU's brightest athletes will directly benefit from the new partnership with Athletics Ireland ©Dublin City University
Some of DCU's brightest athletes will directly benefit from the new partnership with Athletics Ireland ©Dublin City University

James Galvin, director of sport and wellbeing at DCU said, "We are continuing our journey to be regarded as the leading university in Ireland for participation, performance and inclusion in sport. 

"DCU recognises the important role it can play as a key stakeholder in promoting and developing athletics from participation through to high performance."

The university has consistently topped Irish university medal tables in athletics for years, being crowned indoor, cross country and outdoor champions in the 2016-17 season.

Hamish Adams, chief executive officer of Athletics Ireland said, "We are delighted to announce this partnership with DCU as it very much reflects our primary objective which is to promote and develop the sport at every level from recreational running and schools competitions, through to supporting Ireland's elite athletes in international competition.

"We are particularly pleased that an innovative and world-renowned institution like DCU will support us in encouraging participation in athletics, as well providing a professional and supportive environment in which our athletes can thrive.”