Letters to the Editor: Play is not a luxury — it is essential for children
Mark Harris points to the experience of New Zealand which has made significant investments in school playground infrastructure. FIle picture: Gareth Fuller/PA
I am writing to express my concern over a fundamental issue that seems to be largely overlooked in Ireland — the lack of playgrounds in schools. It is astonishing that in a country that values education and child development, so many schools lack dedicated play areas where children can engage in unstructured, active play.
Play is not a luxury; it is an essential part of a child’s development. Research consistently shows that physical activity improves cognitive function, social skills, and overall wellbeing. Countries around the world prioritise playgrounds as a crucial part of school infrastructure — yet in Ireland, many children spend their breaks on bare concrete yards with little or no equipment to encourage movement and play.
