Leitrim playground to benefit from over €20,000 in upgrade funding

Over €20,000 has been allocated to Leitrim County Council for an inclusive and accessible upgrade to the playground at Dristernan in Drumshanbo.

The funding has come under the 2026 Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation, which provides funding of up to €22,000 per project and supports the refurbishment of existing facilities as well as the development of new play spaces, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement.

The scheme supports the work of Local Authorities in improving access to quality play and recreation facilities within their communities. This can be through the refurbishment and upgrade of existing facilities or through the development of new ones.

In February, Leitrim County Council applied for funding under the scheme to upgrade the playground.

Under this year’s scheme, Sligo County Council has also been awarded €20,993 to deliver inclusive sensory playground equipment at Mitchell Curley Park in Sligo Town.

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Nationwide, €600,000 has been announced in funding for the development and refurbishment of playgrounds and play areas.

The announcement was made on Thursday, April 22 by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley.

Drumshanbo councillor Enda McGloin has welcomed the announcement of €22,000 for Dristernan playground.

“I am thrilled to see this funding to upgrade the Dristernan playground, well done to Leitrim County Council for choosing Dristernan,” said Cllr McGloin.

“This in an area of the town where many children live and I'm sure so many parents will welcome this development for a place to bring their kids to play in a modern and accessible playground,” he concluded.

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Minister of State Marian Harkin at the Department of Further and Higher Education commented that the projects will make a “real difference to children and families” by ensuring that play spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all.

“The inclusion of sensory equipment in Mitchell Curley Park and the accessibility upgrades in Dristernan are particularly positive developments.

“It is vital that children of all abilities have the opportunity to play together in safe, engaging environments that support their development and wellbeing,” said Minister Harkin.

She also highlighted the importance of continued support for local initiatives. “This funding, while modest in scale, plays a significant role in enabling local authorities to enhance community infrastructure.

“By supporting projects that prioritise inclusion and accessibility, we are helping to build stronger, more connected communities across Sligo and Leitrim.

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“I look forward to seeing these projects completed and to their positive impact for children and families across both counties,” Minister Harkin concluded.