Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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772. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of local authorities that have applied for funding through a fund (details supplied) in order to fund the improvement of playgrounds in their local area; the local authorities that have applied for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54980/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In 2021 all 31 LA’s applied for a grant under the DCEDIY Capital Grant  scheme for Play and Recreation, as part of the Government’s Lets Play Ireland 2021 programme. Funding under this Capital Grant scheme is  provided for new play and recreation facilities and the refurbishment of existing play and recreation facilities and/ or incorporating natural play elements.

Applications  to the scheme are made through the member of the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network (LAPRN) in each Local Authority. 

A selection committee reviewed the applications received and  all 31 were deemed to be successful. The full allocation of €469,716was drawn down in 2021. 

The DCEDIY Capital Grant Funding Scheme for Play and Recreation was introduced in 2013 to support new and existing play and recreation facilities for children and young people.

The Local Authority Play and Recreation Network (LAPRN) were established in 2012 as a mechanism for central and Local Government to work collectively to bring about the best policy initiatives for children and young people in terms of the provision and promotion of play and recreational facilities.