An increase in funding is needed to deliver additional playgrounds, Fine Gael Cllr Thomasina Connell has said.
Cllr Connell is calling for more funding from Government to help Laois County Council meet the cost of large-scale new playground projects and also to expand and upgrade existing playgrounds.
“As a local representative, I know how important play spaces are for the physical and mental well-being of the whole family.
“I am currently working on delivering a playground for Kilminchy, Portlaoise where so many young families reside and there is a significant lack of amenities.
“We have a plan for a sustainable rustic playground in Kilminchy and are hoping we can secure funding for this project.
“The Department of Rural and Community Development provides funding towards the establishment and improvement of playgrounds through various schemes that it operates but can only offer funding of up to €18,000 per project.
“Also, that funding is contingent on Laois County Council providing matched funding which can be a significant barrier particularly in light of rising construction and material costs.
“This is why I am calling on the Government to increase the funding for playground delivery, to ensure Laois County Council can deliver playgrounds and play spaces where they are most needed, in communities like Kilminchy.
“I have listened to the concerns of local residents regarding the condition of equipment in both of our existing playgrounds in Portlaoise, at the Leisure Centre and in the People’s Park.
“Playgrounds require ongoing maintenance; the play equipment falls into disrepair and needs upgrading.
“It can be a challenge to keep on top of this. Following my motion calling on maintenance to be undertaken Laois County Council have confirmed a Maintenance schedule for both playgrounds for 2024.
“Playgrounds are vital spaces for our children and families and are essential in building stronger and safer communities,” Cllr Connell said.
Funding of €123,037 has been allocated for Laois projects under Local Enhancement Programme 2024.
The grants are designed to improve and enhance community facilities, which play a vital role in local communities.
The funding will provide supports for the many small community groups.
Some of the projects to receive funding include:
- €8,000 for Dunamaise Beekeepers,
- €5,000 for Emo Sports Field Committee,
- €4,780 for Annanough GAA,
- €4,567 for The Thomas Hayes Trust CLG – Teac Team
- €4,500 for Emo GAA,
- €4,413 for Timahoe Community Hall,
- €4,000 for Clough-Ballacolla GAA,
- €4,000 for The Swan Development Committee
Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State, welcomed the news, saying:
“I want to congratulate the successful Laois applicants and thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in local communities.
“I am committed to and will continue to help all local groups who carry out work on a voluntary basis for the benefit of their local communities.”
Almost €7 million funding has been announced for Community Healthcare Organisations which aims to help address the backlog for families of children with disabilities waiting longest for Assessment of Needs (AONs).
The funding is for the provision of 2,500 private assessments nationwide over the next six months and will start in the coming days.
This is in addition to the existing HSE core funding of €5m which already aims to complete 1,800 AONs in 2024.
“This funding boost is great news for Laois,” Charlie Flanagan TD said.
“With rising number of families requiring AONs around the Country, its crucial we do everything possible to provide assessments.
“No family in the constituency or elsewhere should have to wait excessively long periods of time for the needs of their child to be assessed.
“The quicker the assessment takes place, the sooner the family can access the right services.
“This new funding will prioritise the families who have been waiting longest.
“Crucially, parents will not be expected to pay any initial costs as the HSE will reimburse these private clinics directly.
“Since taking office, An Taoiseach Simon Harris has put a massive emphasis on breaking down silos across Government and creating the swift change this country needs.
“The Special Committee on Children, Education and Disability which he recently set up, and where the decision was made to proceed with this initiative, is looking at many ways to further improve disability services like recruiting more specialists to contribute towards nationwide Children’s Disability Network Teams to provide important therapies to children.
“This announcement and the continuing work is further evidence of Fine Gael’s commitment to solving the issues that are most important for people with disabilities and their families and ultimately providing the best start for every child.”
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