From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, today awarded over €450,811 to Local Authorities across Ireland for the refurbishment of existing playgrounds. In total, 27 Local Authorities will benefit from funding for projects under the DCYA Play Capital Funding Scheme with 46 playgrounds being refurbished and/or incorporating natural play areas.
The projects funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) include important safety works; landscaping works that will support and extend the play value and inclusivity for all children e.g. fairy garden, sensory wildflower maze, bug hotels, accessible land forming (hills and mounds with pathways); refurbishment of a large wooden castle multi-play structure; and the provision of accessible playground equipment that will enable children with disabilities to use and enjoy their local playgrounds with friends and families.
Announcing the funding, Minister Zappone said:
“This year I am delighted my department will continue to demonstrate strong commitment to the importance of play in children’s lives through the award of capital funding to 27 Local Authorities for 46 separate playground projects. I look forward to seeing the results of this funding in the form of upgraded and inclusive play facilities and play areas which will greatly enhance the lives of children across the country.
“Playing is central to children’s physical, mental, social and emotional health and wellbeing. That is why I launched Let's Play Ireland last month, a gov.ie resource to support children and young people’s play during this time.
“When restrictions around COVID-19 have been lifted, more than ever, children will need and deserve a safe place to play. It is imperative that playgrounds meet the required safety standards and are available and inclusive for all children to enjoy.”
ENDS
The purpose of the DCYA 2020 Play Capital Funding Scheme is to support refurbishment of play and recreation amenities for children and young people. This includes the provision of new equipment, the refurbishment of existing play facilities and an emphasis on natural play areas.
The application process was open to all Local Authorities; each Local Authority could apply for up to three separate projects. Eligibility criteria included a commitment to matched funding.
Eligible applications were evaluated by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs based on the contents of the proposal submitted. A key criteria of the scheme is that proposed projects must be accessible and inclusive for all children.
Other criteria against which applications are considered include:
27 Local Authorities will now be allocated capital grants for 46 separate projects. A list of all projects is available here.