Councillors praise recent works to playgrounds and parks in North Kilkenny

Members of the Castlecomer Municipal District were updated on progress on parks and playgrounds at their recent monthly meeting.

Senior engineer, Frank Stafford told the members that there are 12 playgrounds in the Castlecomer Municipal District.

“Seven of the 12 of them have been painted in the past two years, which gives them a new lease of life and maintenance on them is ongoing.”

Mr Stafford also outlined how there was a new play unit in Castlecomer which had come at a cost of €36,000 and also informed the members that there has been an investment of €227,000 at Jenkinstown as part of a Walking Trail Rehabilitation Scheme. Works on an accessible roundabout and see-saw have also been carried out in Coon as well as the construction of a multi-use play tower in the playground in Ballyragget.

Councillor John Brennan commended Mr Stafford on his presentation to the members in the Council Chamber at County Hall.

“This is fantastic, it is a major boost to rural areas and towns and we can now see tourism out from Kilkenny to the towns and villages in the county.”

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick also congratulated Mr Stafford and his team on what they have achieved.

“It is remarkable what has been achieved in the past five years,” he said.

These sentiments were echoed by Cllr Michael Delaney who described the amount of work done as ‘fabulous’.

Cllr Michael McCarthy also complimented Frank and his team.

“These works assist children to get out into open spaces and the amount of walk we have in North Kilkenny is super,” he said.

Cllr Maurice Shortall also praised the work carried out in the area of parks and playgrounds and said that ‘as a father of two small children it is much appreciated’.

Mr Stafford also said that there are planned works for The Islands Walk in Urlingford, the Paulstown Community Loop Walk (signage and seating) and for phase one of a bike trail at the Castlecomer Discovery Park.