Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, announced the recipients of this year’s Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation. A total of €450,000 has been awarded to 29 Local Authorities.
The Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation supports the work of Local Authorities in improving access to quality play and recreation facilities within their communities. This can be through the refurbishment and upgrade of existing facilities or through the development of new ones. The scheme offers funding of up to €18,000 per project, an investment that will see positive impacts delivered to children and families across the country.
Many of the projects funded under this year’s scheme give particular focus to inclusion and access, and will help to ensure that children with a diverse range of needs can avail of the benefits of high quality play facilities alongside their peers. Some of these funded projects include the installation of:
- An accessible mini-basketball court.
- A wheelchair-accessible see-saw.
- Aural and visual sensory play units, for example, “Babble Drums”.
- Sensory musical equipment and a sensory play trail.
- Autism-friendly play features.
- Upgraded accessibility features and biodiversity planting.
Announcing the award of funding, Minister O’Gorman said, “I am very happy to support Local Authorities to provide high-quality play areas in their communities that can be enjoyed by all children. By investing in safe, accessible and innovative play infrastructure, we are investing in children’s physical and social development and in their wellbeing. I congratulate Local Authorities on their successful projects and look forward to seeing the impact this funding will have across the country.”
