Community playground needed in Leitrim Village

Although there is a privately owned playground in Leitrim Village, Cllr Paddy Farrell has highlighted the need for a community facility with up to date equipment for young children in the village.

In a motion before the recent Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District,Cllr Farrell said that a new playground was needed. He pointed to the growing population in the village and said that the existing playground required updating.

Cllr Enda Stenson backed the call noting that Leitrim Village has “one of the biggest growing populations”.

“The existing playground, at this stage, is not really fit for purpose, a new playground is needed,” he said.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Sean McGowan, Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire and Cllr Des Guckian also stressed the need for better playground facilities.

Cllr Armstrong-McGuire said that there is a “real need to get children off screens and outside”.

The Council acknowledged that the existing playground in the village is privately owned and managed by Leitrim Management Company.

“The company made contact with Leitrim County Council to  take the playground in charge and an independent inspection was carried out on behalf of the  Council,” noted the Council in a written response to Cllr Farrell’s motion.

“The inspection outlined that upgrade works were required to the playground to bring it  to the required standard.”

The Council pointed out that it will not be paying for the upgrade works at the existing playground noting that this “is a matter for the management  company”. However, it was noted that “Leitrim County Council is open to engagement with the management company to  progress the matter."