Four outdoor play facilities across Carlow and Kilkenny are to be upgraded.
Local FG Deputy John Paul Phelan says that they’re included in the Local Authorities Play and Recreation grant which will see a half a million euro spend across the country.
In Kilkenny, funding’s been allocated to install a cable runway and sand diggers in Kells playground, Rath; and a cable runway at Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum Natural Playground in Inistioge.
In Carlow, equipment for a new obstacle course will be supplied and installed at Duckett’s Grove Palatine and an inclusive basket swing seat will be provided at Leighlinbridge Playground.
Deputy Phelan says new facilities will create wonderful opportunities for children and their families to get outside and play as restrictions ease in the coming months, telling KCLR News “This funding allocation to Carlow and Kilkenny county councils, under the Local Authorities Play and Recreation grant, will support works to ensure these four playgrounds are safe and inclusive for all children to enjoy. The projects funded encompass a wide range of initiatives that will deliver diverse benefits to children and young people, who have experienced such very difficult times because of the pandemic. We want to help make sure that they get outside, play, and have fun. “
Further monies are being made available to early learning and childcare service to improve outdoor spaces under the Government’s Playing Outside Grant for Early Learning and Care and School-Aged Childcare services.
This opens for applications on 18th June and Deputy Phelan says “Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare services have already risen to the challenge of adapting to the current Covid-19 restrictions by enhancing their outside spaces to support children to spend more time outside. The Playing Outside Grant will help services to further develop their outdoor spaces for learning and play.”
