OUTDOOR AMENITIES OPENED
WEST Wicklow celebrated an abundance of exciting new outdoor amenities which were officially opened in three local communities in recent days.
A new state of the art skate park was opened in Baltinglass while Rathdangan saw a new playground unveiled and a multi-use games area was opened in Knockananna.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD was joined by Minister for Health Simon Harris and cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Edward Timmins for the occasion.
Each of the projects were funded by the CLÁR programme and as well as conducting the official openings, Minister Ring visited Rathdrum, where a further project under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is under way.
In Rathdangan, local boy Ryan O’Farrell had the honour of helping Minister Ring to unveil the plaque.
‘I’m delighted to be in Wicklow today to officially open these wonderful new community amenities. By funding a new skate park in Baltinglass, a playground in Rathdangan and a Multi Use Games Area in Knockananna, we are supporting families in these rural towns and villages,’ he said.
He also outlined that €100,000 is being spent in Rathdrum to upgrade footpaths, install street furniture and signage and complete works on the town square.
Minister Harris said that, as Minister for Health, he was ‘particularly pleased that each of these new amenities will encourage people, especially young people to get out and be active.’
‘These community facilities are vital to the growth and development of our towns and villages,’ he said and commended Wicklow County Council who, he said, are working of 85 similar projects.