Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1388: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the ratio of playgrounds to population in the State; and the ratio of playgrounds to population in each local authority area. [2083/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Comprehensive statistics on the number of playgrounds in the State or in individual local authority areas are not available in my Department. However, under the initiative delivering value for people-service indicators in local authorities announced early last year, local authorities are required to report annually on their performance against 42 service indicators.

One of these indicators relates to playgrounds and this will enable comparisons to be made across local authorities on their performance in this area. Specifically, the indicator will show the number of children's playgrounds per 1,000 population provided directly by the local authority and facilitated by the local authority. I understand that data in respect of 2004 are currently being compiled. I expect to receive a report towards the middle of the year.