John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to continue supporting the provision of playgrounds and skateboard parks; the progress to date in rolling out this important infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7495/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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 has allocated funding of over €8 million to County and City Councils for the development of new, or refurbishment of existing, playgrounds since 2004. The location of the playgrounds which benefit from these moneys is a matter for the local authority to decide.

In May 2005, I introduced a new initiative for the provision of skateboard facilities by local authorities. Each City and County Council was invited to submit expressions of interest for grant assistance towards the provision of a skateboard park in its area. Applications were assessed in my Department in conjunction with the National Children's Office and some 21 projects in 21 different local authority areas were recommended for grant aid. A sum of €1 million had initially been earmarked for the scheme in 2005 but, in light of the number and quality of submissions received, I approved all 21 projects in November 2005 and increased the funding allocation to over €2 million which is expected to be spent over the two year period 2006 and 2007.

The position regarding the provision of these playground and skateboard park facilities is being monitored by my Department and the question of inviting further proposals from local authorities will be kept under review in the light of progress.