Laois playground to receive €20,000 upgrade

A grant has been won for one Laois playground to improve biodiversity and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Mountrath playground beside the Slieve Bloom Mountains, is getting €20,000 for work including Biodiversity improvements, under the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation, announced on Monday, May 12 by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley.

It is one of 28 Irish playgrounds to share in €500,000. Across Ireland the grant is paying for Wheelchair-accessible seesaws, Inclusive Sensory Playground Equipment and inclusive play space and Upgraded accessibility features.

Laois TD Sean Fleming welcomed the grant approval given to Laois County Council.

"I am pleased to announce that a €20,000 Government grant has been approved to upgrade the playground in Mountrath and this will also include a major biodiversity element. A condition of this grant was that there had to be local consultation with children and young people before the application was submitted.

"What is also important as part of this grant approval is that the Council comes up with 25% of the amount provided by the Government i.e. €5,000. It is important that these works be carried out as quickly as is practical so that people in the Mountrath area who use the playground can get the advantage of these improvements as early as possible," he said.

The Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation funds city and county councils to upgrade existing playgrounds or develop new ones. Many of the projects funded this year focus on inclusion and access, so children of wider needs can play alongside their friends.

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“I am delighted to announce this capital funding that will directly benefit families and children in every corner of Ireland. These grants will enable city and county councils to create and upgrade playgrounds, making them more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. 

“I want to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to the local authorities for their applications and I look forward to seeing the benefits these projects will provide to local communities for many years to come,” Minister Foley said.