32-playground bonanza for children

THOUSANDS of children are to benefit from a multi-million euro plan to build 32 playgrounds throughout the country, it was announced yesterday.

Play areas will be established or refurbished in 25 counties by the local authorities at a cost of €2 million.

Minister of State for Children Brian Lenihan said the grants, which ranged from €17,000 to €140,000, would provide 50% of the funds to city and county councils who sent in plans for their amenities. “The proposed playgrounds vary in size from smaller local playgrounds which will serve towns and villages, to much larger regional playgrounds that will be located in areas that have greater numbers of children and young people.”

The national policy paper, ‘Ready, Steady, Play’ showed a severe lack of public facilities for children.

There were just 168 public playgrounds in the State compared with 405 golf courses, a survey by the National Children’s Office showed in December 2002. A spokeswoman for the Children’s Rights Alliance said the group welcomes the funds as part of the strategy announced earlier this year.

“It has been tied to consultation with children which is part of the national children’s strategy and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child undersection 12 to consult with children,” the spokeswoman said.

“Down the line we would like to see more funds but today’s announcement is a start. The UN article, which obliges governments to ensure children have the right to play, actually acknowledges the importance of play for children. Very often we hear talk of more golf courses than playgrounds so there is a need.”

The Dublin-West TD said the proposals were evaluated on the basis of their quality, value for money and the demand in the area.

Fingal Co Council was granted €140,000 for the Millennium Park in Blanchardstown, Galway Co Council got €100,000 for Loughrea and Monaghan Co Council got €17,000 for Newbliss village. There are 52 actions set out in the policy, which was launched last March, to ensure that the importance of play in the development of healthy children is recognised.

The play policy developed under the 2002 National Children’s Strategy recommended improving facilities over the next five-years and making efforts to cut the cost of public liability insurance.

A small playground costs between €80,000-€100,000, a large one €250,000-€300,000 and €7,000 is needed each year in maintenance costs.