Councillors at the Borris-in-Ossorry-Mountmellick Municipal District Committee meeting this week showed a united front in the fight to buld a new playground in Trumera.
Independent Cllr James Kelly raised the issue, calling on the Laois County Council to provide an updated timeline for the provision of an outdoor playground in Truma.
The playground is set to be located adjacent to the Trumera Community Hall and GAA pitch, and across from the new Gaelscoil.
Ms Pamela Tynan, Acting SEO for Community and Enterprise said: “Funding was approved under the CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme to Trumera Community Hall Committee to develop a small community play area in the grounds of the hall.
The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.
“A suitable site has been selected and the community group have been advised that they will need to progress with an outline design through the planning process.
“Laois County Council is providing advice to the group as required,” Ms Tynan said.
Cllr Kelly said he “did not agree with the major end” of Ms Tynan’s statement.
“I know for a fact that there are a number of playgrounds in this county that did not have to go through the planning process,” the Independent Cllr said.
“A number of playgrounds have had exemptions, where they don’t have to go through the planning process and I am calling on the council to facilitate similar measures
“Let’s work together with the community and provide this playground as soon as possible.”
Fine Gael Cllr, John King referenced the newly opened playground in Borris-in-Ossory as an example that the council could follow in carrying out such a project in a time-efficient, cost-efficient manner.
His party colleague, Cllr Conor Bergin reiterated the comparisons between Trumera’s proposals and the new playground in Borris; which, he said, was one of the playgrounds which Cllr Kelly references as availing of the planning exemption.
“Things like planning logistics and planning expenses are the reason projects like this fail,” Cllr Bergin said.
“I see absolutely no reason why Trumera should go through a full planning application.”
Independent Cllr, Ollie Clooney put his support behind the playground, saying: “I think where there is a school there should be a playground.
“I also think that the council rely too heavily on voluntary organisations to make this start in these kinds of projects – which is becoming more difficult, especially in rural Ireland.
Cllr Paddy Bracken said the situation was “a bit unfair” and wondered why Trumera was different that other playgrounds such as Mountmellick, Mountrath or Borris.
Director of Services, Mr Donal Bennan explained that as the Trumera play area in question would not be coming under the umbrella of Laois County Council it was not eligible for the same conditions as other playgrounds referenced.
“It is better for the long-term development of this area if that (the play area) goes through the planning process,” he said.
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