'Game On': Funding boost of €20,000 secured to transform Longford playground

Children in a county Longford town are set to benefit from upgrades to a local playground thanks to a new raft of funding.

Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy said a total of €600,000 has been awarded to 30 local authorities nationwide under the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation capital grant scheme and Edgeworthstown is set to benefit from over €21,000

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.

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The scheme offers funding of up to €22,000 per project, an investment that will see positive impacts delivered to children and families across the country.

Many of the projects funded under this year’s scheme give particular focus to inclusion and access and will help children with a diverse range of needs to avail of the benefits of high-quality play facilities alongside their peers.

Some of these funded projects include the installation of wheelchair-accessible seesaws, inclusive sensory playground equipment and inclusive play space.

Other projects consist of upgraded accessibility features and biodiversity planting, Level Access Play Equipment and designated teen spaces.

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Deputy Carrigy said he was very pleased by the announcement.

“I am delighted to see this funding of €21,470 for The Green Edgeworthstown Playground that will benefit so many children in Edgeworthstown and the surrounding area. Every child should have access to a safe and modern play area.

“The benefits of outdoor play for children are well known – it’s good for their health, they can make new friends, it inspires the imagination and brings excitement into young lives.

“We want to see these upgrades so that our playgrounds are more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for all children.

“I look forward to seeing the completed project in The Green Edgeworthstown Playground. I know this project will have a major impact on the vibrancy of our local community.

“This funding will provide state of the art play areas for all children here in Longford, encouraging them to play and make new friends in safe surroundings. Well done to all who completed the successful application”, concluded Deputy Carrigy.