Call for news site for playground in south Longford village
"Very important" an alternative site is found
A councillor has called on Longford County Council to take 'immediate action' to identify and secure an alternative site for a children's playground in Kenagh village.
Fianna Fáil's Sean Mimnagh submitted a motion and highlighted the sitaution at a recent meeting of Ballymahon Municipal District.
He stated the lease on the existing playground is due to expire in 2026.
Cllr Mimnagh said he believed it was very important that an alternative site is found on time and there is no delay when the current playground shuts its gates.
The motion was seconded by his party colleague Cllr Mick Cahill who was very supportive.
"A lot of people have been on to me about it and I'd imagine they have been contacting other councillors here as well," Cllr Mimnagh added.
He acknowledged the existing playground is not in an ideal location as it is out of the town but he is keen for an alternative site to be identified as soon as possible.
"I don't want a gap in-between, there are 120 children in the school and 1,000 people living in the village," he added.
Cllr Mimnagh said the new playground site has to be somewhere secure and somewhere safe for children where there is no anti-social behaviour or risks to them.
He told the Longford Leader after the meeting he is eager for the project to commence in the near future.
"I will have to go back in and I will have to put a push on it, I'm not going to sit on my hands and wait for it to happen, I am going to make sure that it does happen.
"I will talk to the relevant director of services and see what we can do," he added.
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mark Casey said the council has a suitable site and there is an onus to try and ensure a new playground on a different site does not face delays.