Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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638. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports offered by her Department for upgrading and maintenance of playground facilities, including the capital grant scheme for play and recreation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15228/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My department provides for the upgrading and maintenance of playground facilities for children and young people through the annual Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation.

Established in 2013, this grant scheme operates through and with Local Authorities. The scheme also funds the development of new playgrounds and recreation facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements.

The criteria for the scheme were developed in partnership with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network, established to bring a focus on play and recreation within each local authority.

For each project, 25% of the awarded amount must be provided by the Local Authority. Facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people of all abilities, as far as possible.

All facilities and equipment funded must be child-friendly and safe, and applications must provide evidence that children and young people living locally, who will have access to the facility, have been consulted about the project for which funding is sought.

All spaces and facilities for which funding is granted must be available for use by all children and young people in the locality at times when they are free to use them, including outside of school hours.

Children’s playgrounds and play areas should be places of fun and activity for all children to enjoy, so that every child can experience the joy and excitement that comes with playing outdoors.

In 2025, funding of €500,000 has been made available to Local Authorities through this scheme.

Applications for this year's scheme are currently under evaluation and funding announcements are expected shortly.