Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for grant assistance for the provision of playgrounds in County Kildare received from local authorities (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will make a decision on the matter; and the position of each application. [9065/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Prior to the Local Authority Playground Grants Scheme 2004, my Department did not operate a specific scheme of grants for playground projects.

The 2004 Scheme provided up to 50% funding for the development of new, or renovation of existing, playgrounds throughout the country. While the scheme was administered by the National Children's Office, the grants were paid out of my Department's vote. Over €2 million was allocated to city and county councils in respects of 32 new or refurbished playground projects. €72,000 was allocated to Kildare County Council under the scheme for a playground at Kildare town.

The playgrounds grants scheme has been administered by my Department since 2005. Applications for grants for specific locations are not accepted from local authorities. Instead a fixed grant is allocated to each city and county council to fund the purchase and delivery of playground equipment to be installed at locations to be decided by the councils. In 2005 a fixed grant of €60,000 was allocated to each city and county council, including Kildare County Council. Kildare County Council indicated to my Department that the grant would be put towards meeting the cost of equipment for a playground at Bawnogues, Kilcock.

In 2006 a further fixed grant of €120,000 was allocated to each city and county council and I understand that the grant to Kildare County Council is being utilised for playgrounds at four locations — Clane, Kill, Monasterevin and Kilcullen.