Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be provided to an association (details supplied) in County Kerry in order that a playground can be built in Fenit, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17591/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Section 67 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers local authorities to promote the interests of the local community in relation to amenity, recreation and other functions. This includes the provision of sports, games and similar activities and general recreational and leisure facilities such as playgrounds. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the extent to which these facilities should be provided and to allocate resources accordingly.

To assist local authorities in this regard, my Department provided funding of over €2 million to local authorities for the development of playground facilities in 2005. A fixed grant of €60,000 was allocated to each city and county council to meet the cost of purchase and delivery of playground equipment. In the case of County Kerry, I understand that the grant to Kerry County Council is being utilised towards the provision of playgrounds at Caherciveen and Waterville.