An increase in funding is needed to deliver more playgrounds that will benefit communities in Galway City, Fine Gael Councillor and local election candidate Clodagh Higgins has said.
Cllr Higgins is calling for more funding from Government to help Galway City Council to meet the cost of large-scale new playground projects and also to expand and upgrade existing playgrounds.
“As a local representative, and a mother of a five-year-old, I know how important these spaces are in terms of physical and mental well-being for the whole family.
The Department of Rural and Community Development provides significant funding towards the establishment and improvement of playgrounds through various schemes that it operates.
The Capital Grant and Play Recreation scheme operated by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Youth, supports Local Authorities in improving access to quality play and recreation facilities within our communities.
“It offers funding of up to €18,000 per project, with a total of €450,000 awarded to 29 councils last year,” said Cllr Higgins.
“However, this funding is contingent on Galway City Council matching funding of at least 25% of the amount provided by the department, which could be a barrier particularly as construction and material costs are on the rise.“
This is why more funding is required from Government with an increased cap for project awards to ensure Galway City Council can deliver playgrounds and play spaces where they are needed.“Concerns have been expressed regarding the upgrading or replacing of equipment with requests for additional playgrounds also common and this can be challenging and some councils can find it difficult getting projects off the ground.
“This is why a boost in funding and a change to the criteria for the Play and Recreation Scheme would be ideal.“Playgrounds are vital spaces for our children and families in Galway City. Fine Gael is committed to their future development and to delivering stronger and safer communities,” Cllr Higgins said.
