County Clare, IRELAND, 28th June 07 - Clare County Council's allocation of funds for the development of playgrounds, under the Community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009, has reached EUR1 million. Since 2006, 18 community groups throughout the county have been allocated grants to assist them develop community playground facilities. Clare County Council, meanwhile, has announced that a number of additional playgrounds will be completed by the end of the year.
The Community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009 is an initiative established under the Play Policy Action Plan for Clare and provides EUR500,000 each year, to community groups seeking to develop playgrounds.
Community groups who have received funding for playground developments include Kildysart, Corofin, Tulla, Lisdoonvarna, Meelick, Parteen, Kilkee, Sixmilebridge, Doora/ Roslevan, Ballynacally, Lahinch, Scariff, Mountshannon, Killaloe, O’Briensbridge, Shannon, Quin and St Claire's Special School in Ennis.
Cllr Pat Hayes, Chair of the Community & Culture SPC said, "The community groups are to be congratulated 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 18 playground initiatives, which are at various stages of development will greatly enhance the existing amenity and play facilities in the County when completed. Kildysart and Corofin Community Playgrounds have already been completed and are proving very popular", indicated Councillor Hayes.
Clare County Council confirmed that a number of additional playgrounds would be completed by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Ennis Town Council is redeveloping Tim Smith Park in Ennis town centre. The Local Authority is also agreeing plans for the development of additional playground facilities in the Ennis town area.
According to Catherine O'Hara, Administrative Officer, Community and Enterprise, Clare County Council, "The community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009 will continue for 2008 and 2009 and other community groups can apply for a grant under this scheme each year. Expressions of interest are sought in January-March each year with the final allocation approved by Councillors at the June Council meeting."
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-
Contact:
Councillor Pat Hayes and/or Catherine O'Hara are available for interview. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353-868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)
