John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider extending the children's play area at Kilkenny Castle to accommodate wheelchair users and the disabled; if furniture and play equipment, such as swings, will be provided for wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25577/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that there are no current plans to extend the playground at Kilkenny Castle.

When the existing playground at Kilkenny Castle was constructed in 2008, consideration was given to the differing development needs, ability, and age range of young people. This resulted in the inclusion of a cradle swing and two basket swings, which are suitable for older children with certain levels of disability. Also a “play system” was included inside the gate with Braille for use by the visually impaired.

A wheelchair swing was considered. It was found that it required oversight/operation by a trained staff member. To install a wheelchair swing in an unsupervised playground would be against manufacturer instructions. The additional staff resources required to supervise such a swing were not available to the OPW. I intend to look at the matter further.

I am advised that all playgrounds in operation at OPW sites have been constructed and maintained to EN 1176 and EN 1177 standards and also comply with all universal access standards.