'We can't be without this playground' Leitrim councillor says playground in Carrigallen can't close

"We can't be without this playground," said Cllr Paddy O'Rourke at a recent meeting referring to the new location of the public playground near St. Mary’s National School, Carrigallen, Leitrim.

He continued that as it would necessary to relocate the playground in order to accommodate the proposed extension to the school, "the playground established in 2007 is currently offering a reduced level of activity due to some of the equipment being out of use for safety reasons. The playground has enjoyed an extraordinary level of use with little investment since its development."

The official response stated that the associated costs were the responsibility of the Department of Education, as the relocation is necessitated by the school’s development and and that "while the council regrets that some equipment is currently out of use due to safety concerns, it is not feasible to invest in repairs of a significant nature when the playground’s removal is imminent. It should also be noted that Barleyfield playground in Carrigallen was recently renovated with the upgrade of existing equipment and the installation of new accessible equipment."

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Cllr O'Rourke stated: "The tone of the reply suggests that the Department has to pay for this and if the Department are near as slow and reluctant regarding the relocation of the playground as they are with the mainstream part of the building."

He said that he he didn't consider the other playground at Bredagh an alternative as "it was never intended that that would be available to the wider public" adding that there would be "parking issue there for those attending with children."

He said he felt the council should liaise with the Department and "make the necessary arrangements in good time so that the playground is kept up and running. That playground could be moved today."

He said if the playground was moved "east along the road, it would then have the benefit of the car parking area that's available at St. Mary's Church."

He stressed: "I think Leitrim County Council need to put pressure on the council to have the playground moved well in advance of any of the works started."

He said that some of the playground equipment is "beyond use but some of it can be used."

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Cllr Róisín Kenny seconded the motion. 

David Minton, Director of Services stated that the council will write to the Department adding: "There is no reason we can't make a start on it."