Vol. 568 No. 3
72 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department will liaise with the various local authorities with a view to provision of play areas and facilities for small children in view of the difficulties currently experienced by groups trying to provide such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16317/03]
The provision of playground facilities is a matter, in the first instance, for the local authorities, operating under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department liaises with local authorities in the provision of multi-purpose sports facilities being provided for the use and benefit of all members and all groups in their communities. Under the 2002 sports capital programme grants totalling over €9.2 million were allocated to some 29 projects of this nature and the Government has also committed over €57 million towards the provision and upgrading of local authority swimming pools, which are very important in providing sport and leisure opportunities for all members of the community, including children.
