Contextualised within physical activity policy this paper presents a critical review of current sport development pathway models (including the pyramid concept, long-term athlete development and the development model of sport participation), acknowledging a number of issues that we should be cognisant of when working with models. Along with a review of the existing situation in Ireland with regards to the governance of sport and patterns in sport (non)participation, the paper discusses the need for a broader and more encompassing framework that encourages lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity. The paper reviews the Irish lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity (LISPA) framework as a policy 'for' complementing both a performance-oriented and participation-oriented model and addressing the particular physical activity and sporting requirements within the Irish context. The LISPA framework has been adopted by the Irish Sports Council as the model to underpin all its work aimed at improving participation rates in sport in Ireland, although the Council have yet to identify how best to promote the LISPA framework. Suggestions on how to maximise the implementation and success of the framework are discussed. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.