Wexford set to see a jump in number of playgrounds

THE NUMBER of public playgrounds in County Wexford is to set to increase significantly, with a number of areas that are not adequately served identified.

A new county council strategy, which has just been adopted, covers the period 2017-2022, and will see grants of up to €25,000 (or 49 per cent of capital costs) made available to community groups throughout County Wexford who wish to develop a children’s playground in their local area.

Wexford County Council currently operates 29 playgrounds throughout County Wexford while a further four playgrounds have been developed by local communities in the villages of Askamore, Blackwater, Rosslare Harbour and Templeudigan in partnership with the council.

The council says it is this highly effective partnership model that is to be used as it seeks to deliver an additional 13 playgrounds over the lifetime of the new strategy.

Wexford County Council has also a larger ‘destination’ playground in each the four main towns and the Strategy will ensure these enjoy further investment from the Council both in terms of maintenance and also in the provision of new equipment and facilities.

Director of services John Carley said Wexford County Council had identified a number of locations around the county that are not adequately served by playgrounds at the moment.

‘Bridgetown, for example, has experienced significant population growth in recent years, but currently does not have a playground. It is important that population growth is matched by increased investment in appropriate public amenities and facilities and the Playground Strategy will help to achieve this,’ he said.