Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 809: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a preference for central and urban located skateboarding facilities in the recently announced pilot scheme for the purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22627/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In May 2005, I announced proposals for a pilot project for the provision of a number of skateboard facilities. My Department wrote to all city and county councils at that time enclosing details of the initiative, including the selection criteria, and invited councils to submit an application to participate in the pilot project. When applications are received, they will be evaluated on a competitive basis by my Department in conjunction with the National Children's Office. The selection criteria do not include any preference for central and urban located skateboarding facilities.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 810: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which cyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers and other skaters should ideally be accommodated in green spaces and open areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22628/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the provisions of section 67 of the Local Government Act 2001, each local authority may take such measures as it considers necessary or desirable to promote the interests of the local community including measures to promote general recreational and leisure activities or sports, games and similar activities. It is, therefore, a matter for each local authority to determine the manner in which and extent to which, cyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers and other skaters should be catered for in its area.

In May 2005, I announced proposals for a pilot project for the provision of a number of skateboard facilities. My Department wrote to all city and county councils at that time enclosing details of the initiative, including the selection criteria, and invited councils to submit an application to participate in the pilot project. When applications are received, they will be evaluated by my Department in conjunction with the National Children's Office.