Playground needs significant works

SIGNIFICANT improvement works are needed in order to re-open Ballymote Playground.

The annual independent assessment of Ballymote playground was carried out at the start of January 2020. The results of the assessment outlined a huge amount of work will be required in order to ensure a safe playground for children.

The toddler multi-unit will need rot treatment on boards and decks, grip is recommended to reduce the risk of slips.

On the cradle swings, missing chains and swing will need to be replaced while one set of chains will need to be replaced as it is 80% worn. The spring anchors will need to be replaced on the four seat rocker, while the multi-unit will need to be cleaned as the platforms are slippery, rot treatment is required and one rotten post and one ladder will need to be replaced.

On the flat swings, two worn sets of chains will have to be replaced, while worn bushes ar crossbar bracket/chain connection will also have to be replaced along with one damaged seat. On the rotator unit, the decks are slippery so grip will have to be added to reduce the risk of slips, and the worn bush under one rotator will have to be replaced.

A missing bolt will have to be added to the boundary fencing.

Last week’s meeting of Sligo County Council heard that Ballymote Community Council will be required to carry out a costing exercise to determine the full cost involved in these repair works and to liaise with the environment section following this exercise.

The majority of work required must be completed by a certified playground maintenance company and the environment section have advised the community council on companies they can contact. The area office have also confirmed that they will assist where they can on minor works required.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs have confirmed that a grant scheme will be made available in 2020 for playground maintenance work, however they could not confirm further details of what this will entail until after February 2020.

Most likely, the community council will need to be in a position to provide match funding for any grant scheme advertised.