asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the need for additional children's playground facilities in St. Stephen's Green in the city of Dublin; and if he will consider providing additional swings, roundabouts, slides and other playground equipment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Park Playground Facilities.
7.
Mr. Kenny
I am advised that, apart from very occasional periods of peak demand, the children's playground facilities in St. Stephen's Green are adequate. It is not proposed to provide additional facilities at present but the matter will be kept under review.
The Parliamentary Secretary has stated that he has "been advised" on this matter and, from this, it appears that he has not been to see the location I am speaking of. Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider visiting St. Stephen's Green with me so that I could point out to him where additional playing facilities are necessary?
Mr. Kenny
The gist of the information I have is that if additional facilities were provided they would interfere with the grass areas that are now being filled by bikini-clad young ladies.
Is that why the Deputy wants to go there?
It is now eight years since the late Donagh O'Malley provided equipment for this playground but the reason it is not being used is that it is old fashioned.
Mr. Kenny
Is the Deputy suggesting that the Office of Public Works is obsolete?
We must move on to Question No. 8.
Yes, so far as this equipment is concerned. Equipment of a more adventurous type is required there.
Mr. Kenny
For the benefit of the Deputies I will give a list of the equipment in the children's playground in St. Stephen's Green which, it is now suggested is obsolete. It consists of two seesaws, one slide, one carousel, two rocking boats, two tunnels, 12 swings and one rocking horse.
Of course they are obsolete.
Mr. Kenny
I do not believe they are.
All this is very entertaining but we must move on to Question No. 8.
Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary would consider having better supervision of children's playgrounds?
That is a different question altogether.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the experiment I initiated of having the playground enclosed so as to ensure that younger children were not interfered with by older ones, has been successful and that the children can now appreciate the modern equipment that is available for them in St. Stephen's Green?
Mr. Kenny
I was not aware that the Deputy wished to have the space enclosed.
It has been enclosed We had railings put around it so that the children can now enjoy the play ground to a greater extent.
Mr. Kenny
I am sure they can.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider my suggestion of visiting the actual locus in quo with me?
Mr. Kenny
Certainly, I will.
Admission is free.