Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
495. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will consider allocating extra funding for playgrounds to large urban communities where there are not enough play amenities for young children, compared to the density of population of young children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29050/15]
View answerMy Department has provided funding for play and recreation facilities for children and young people through the DCYA Capital Grant Funding Scheme for Play and Recreation, which was introduced in 2013. Under this funding stream €250,000 has been provided each year since 2013 to support new and existing play and recreation facilities. Projects providing new and innovative play and recreation spaces and facilities are welcome under this scheme. This can include providing new facilities, equipment, designs and/or the utilisation of non-traditional play spaces. The refurbishment or upgrading of existing play and recreation spaces and facilities is also supported. Rigorous criteria have been developed for the Scheme and applications, which are submitted through the Local Authority, must meet these before funding can be awarded. Applications must confirm that matched funding will be provided by the Local Authority, and the maximum funding provided under the Scheme to any Local Authority project is currently €20,000.
While the evaluation of grant applications takes into account areas where no facilities exist or where play and recreation facilities are in need of refurbishment, the provision and location of playgrounds is predominantly a matter for individual local authorities.
