Local Independent Deputy, Denis Naughten, has welcomed the allocation of €17,247 from Minister Katherine Zappone to upgrade four local playgrounds in Monksland, Lecarrow, Ballyforan and Ballinasloe.
“The funding, which has been provided to Galway and Roscommon County Councils, is to upgrade existing playgrounds which require investment and will be a welcome amenity for local children as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted,” Deputy Naughten stated.
The investment will also see equipment upgraded to make it accessible for children with disabilities which will ensure that all children, regardless of ability, will be able to play together.
In Ballinasloe the small playground close to St. Michael’s Church, which was opened in 2004, has been allocated €3,250 and this will be the first major work that has taken place in the last 16 years.
Ballyforan playground has been allocated €3,598 to replace the existing seesaw with an inclusive ladybug seesaw. In addition, it is planned to replace the existing cradle seat with a disabled seat and to replace the existing springer with an inclusive springer.
In Lecarrow €2,357 will be spent installing additional sensory & accessible play panels as well as replacing the existing cradle swing seat with a disabled seat, while €8,042 has been allocated for the playground in Monksland to make some of the older pieces of equipment accessible and inclusive to all users. This will replace the existing basket swing with a disabled swing and replace the existing rotating disc with an orbit inclusive roundabout.
“I want to thank my colleague Minister Zappone for her support to me in helping secure investment in our constituency, not just with this funding but over the last four years,” Deputy Naughten concluded.
