Community Playground Scheme Making Clare A Better Place To Live In And Visit

The Community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009, which is an initiative established under the Play Policy Action Plan for Clare, provides EUR500k each year to community groups seeking to develop playgrounds.

A number of playgrounds are scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Elsewhere, the sod was recently turned on a playground for Sixmilebridge while work on a new playground in Tulla is expected to commence shortly. Playgrounds for O’Briensbridge and Ballynacally are currently in the planning stages.

Among the fourteen other community groups that have received funding for playground developments since 2006 are Kildysart, Corofin, Lisdoonvarna, Meelick, Parteen, Kilkee, Doora/Roslevan, Lahinch, Scariff, Killaloe, Inis Ealga in Shannon, Quin, Mountshannon and St Claire’s Special School in Ennis.

Tom Coughlan, Director of Services, Community & Enterprise, Clare County Council, described the Community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009 as a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community and local authority works together.

He commented, "The partnership approach to developing play facilities has a significant role in improving the quality of life for communities across Clare. The Council looks forward to this positive working relationship continuing into the future with the result that we are making the county a better places to live in and visit."

Councillor Pat Hayes, Chairperson of the Community & Culture SPC added, "I would like to congratulate the community groups on what they are achieving by developing community playgrounds throughout the county especially as they are working on a voluntary basis. It is important that they are supported locally in conjunction with Clare County Council."

"These 19 playground/play initiatives, which are at various stages of development will greatly enhance the existing amenity and play facilities in the county when completed. Playgrounds at St Claire’s Special School in Ennis, Parteen, Kildysart, Kilkee and Corofin Community Playgrounds have already been completed and are proving very popular", Councillor Hayes continued.

He stated, "The community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009 will continue for 2009 and other community groups may apply for a grant. Expressions of interest will be sought later this year with the final allocation approved by Councillors at the March meeting of Clare County Council in 2009"

2009 will see the final EUR500k allocated to community playground projects in County Clare. Expressions of interest and submissions for funding under this scheme will be advertised in October 2008 with a closing date for receipt of proposals of December 12th 2008.

Any community group interested in developing a community playground can contact the Community & Enterprise Section of Clare Co Council (065 6846222) for details of the Community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009, as well as guidelines for the development of a playground.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
A high-resolution map of playgrounds across County Clare is available on request. Please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)