Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 764: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of playgrounds here; and his plans to increase their number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27631/06]

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

Information on the total number of local authority playgrounds is not available in my Department. However, Service Indicators in Local Authorities 2004, published last year by the Local Government Management Services Board, reported on performance across 42 indicators covering the broad range of local authority activities. Two of the indicators relate to playgrounds and these enable comparisons to be made across local authorities on their performance in this area. Specifically, the indicators show the number of children's playgrounds per 1,000 population provided directly by the local authority; and facilitated by the local authority. Copies of this publication are available in the Oireachtas Library.

Ready, Steady Play: A National Play Policy, which was published in 2004, provides a framework for the development of public play facilities in Ireland, with the overall aim of ensuring that children have access to a range of quality play opportunities to enrich their childhood. As part of the implementation of this policy, my Department provided over €2 million in grant aid to County and City Councils in respect of 32 new or refurbished playground projects under the Local Authority Playground Grants Scheme 2004. In 2005, a further €2 million was allocated to local authorities for the development of playground facilities, in particular to meet the cost of purchase and delivery of playground equipment. I expect to announce details of further funding for such facilities in 2006 in the near future.