Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2004
90 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a grant will be provided to persons (details supplied) in County Kerry for the installation of new playground equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19878/04]
View answerOn 8 March, I launched "Ready, Steady, Play: A National Play Policy". The aim of the policy is to increase the range of public play opportunities available to children. At the launch of the policy a number of funding programmes were announced, including the local authority playground grants scheme. Under this scheme, which is administered by the National Children's Office, NCO, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, an amount of €1 million is available in 2004 for the development or refurbishment of local authority playgrounds. Each local authority was invited to submit one project under the scheme. Kerry County Council's chosen project was that referred to in the Deputy's question.
The Kerry County Council application complied with all of the criteria for completion of stage 1 of the process and a more detailed proposal was then submitted for stage 2. The closing date for receipt of stage 2 proposals was 22 June and a total of 32 applications were received. These proposals, including the proposal which is the subject of this question, are being evaluated by a panel consisting of staff from the NCO and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and an announcement regarding the allocation of grants will be made shortly.
