Limerick village one step closer to securing playground as council agrees land transfer

CHILDREN in one west Limerick community are set to get a brand-new playground after local councillors agreed to provide lands for the development.

A 1.28-acre site in Athea will be transformed under plans approved by Limerick City and County Council, providing a new space for children and families to play.

At the March meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, it was proposed that the council-owned land be given to Athea Community Council CLG by way of a 30-year lease to facilitate the proposed development.

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Athea Community Playground Committee has already secured planning permission to develop a playground and other associated amenities on the site, which is located north of Hillside Drive.

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The committee is now in the process of securing funds for the proposed development, having already obtained €100,000 from the Mayor's Fund and €65,000 from CLAR, with further local fundraising initiatives planned.

As part of the 30-year lease agreement, the land will be returned to the local authority if the playground and other approved amenities are not developed within a timeframe agreed with the council.

Recommending the disposal of the lands, Jayne Leahy, head of property services, told councillors the Playground Committee has provided detailed information in relation to the development of the facility.

Phase 1 will include the car park, entrance works and site groundworks; Phase 2 will include a playground, safety surfacing and associated landscaping; Phase 3 will include an all-weather pitch, perimeter fencing and construction of a utility building.

The matter will now come before a full meeting of Limerick City and County Council for final approval