Minister O’Gorman Announces Playground Funding for Local Authorities
Ardee, 4 June – Ardee playground is set to receive €10,761.51 for refurbishment, following an announcement today by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman. The announcement named the recipients of this year’s Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation, with a total of €450,000 awarded to 30 Local Authorities.
The Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation is designed to support Local Authorities in enhancing access to quality play and recreation facilities. This can involve refurbishing and upgrading existing amenities or developing new ones. The scheme provides funding of up to €18,000 per project, aiming to bring significant benefits to children and families nationwide.
Many of the projects funded this year focus on inclusion and accessibility, ensuring children with diverse needs can enjoy high-quality play facilities. Funded projects include:
• Accessible mini-basketball courts
• Wheelchair-accessible see-saws
• Inclusive sensory playground equipment
• Autism-friendly play features
• Enhanced accessibility features and biodiversity planting
Introduced in 2013, the Play and Recreation Capital Funding Scheme supports the creation and improvement of play and recreation facilities for children and young people.
Minister O’Gorman expressed his support, stating, “I am very happy to support our Local Authorities in providing the highest quality play equipment in their communities that can be accessed by all children. By investing in safe, accessible, and innovative play infrastructure, we are investing in children’s physical and social development and in their wellbeing.”
He added, “I want to congratulate the Local Authorities on their submissions and look forward to seeing the impact this funding will have across the country.”
