Donncha O'Callaghan urges council to answer call for playground

Rugby star Donncha O’Callaghan has backed locals fighting for funds to build a public playground where he grew up.

The former Irish and Munster player spoke out as residents in the Cork suburb of Bishopstown ramp up their campaign to secure the facility which has been stalled for almost a decade.

The Unicef sporting ambassador, who also presented a TV series to encourage childrens’ interest in sport and physical activity, said he loves taking his own children to their local playground in Ballinlough.

“It’s an opportunity for the whole family to get outside — to play, exercise, interact with local families and above all have fun,” he said.

“It is extremely disappointing, having grown up in Bishopstown, that still to this day local families have to travel to Ballincollig or Fitzgerald’s Park to use a playground.

“Bishopstown is a unique place, a place I am extremely proud to have grown up in, with unique values and people. But it’s sadly unique in not having a playground facility.

“I fully support the need for a playground facility here and would urge local authorities to finally make this a reality.”

His intervention is set to increase pressure on city officials who have blamed a lack of funding for the delay.

Plans for a playground on a site in Murphy’s Farm were drawn up in 2008 but never materialised.

Frustrated with the delays, local residents last year offered to help fundraise but the council said it wasn’t necessary, despite citing lack of funds for the delays.

The issue was discussed at city council late last year when provision was made for the appointment of a consultant to oversee the design process, and advance the project further, subject to finance. But it could be next year before building work starts, they said.

Residents are set to meet senior city officials next Monday in a renewed bid to secure funding.

Playground campaign spokesperson, Aoife O’Sullivan, said the number of young families in Bishopstown is increasing: “We want to put the pressure on to get the budget sooner rather than later.

“We have had some really generous offers of help from local business people and professionals and will organise a public meeting to discuss what we can all do next once we know where we stand with City Hall.”