Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 934: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if grant aid is available from his Department to develop a playground (details supplied) in County Cork. [9657/07]

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 respect of 32 new or refurbished playground projects. €114,000 was allocated to Cork County Council under the scheme for playgrounds at Charleville and Ballincollig.

The playgrounds grants scheme has been administered by my Department since 2005. Applications for grants for specific locations are not accepted from councils. 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 and 2006 fixed grants of €60,000 and €120,000 respectively were allocated to each city and county council, including Cork County Council. Cork County Council indicated to my Department that the grants would be utilized for playgrounds at Passage West and at Corkbeg/Whitegate.