I regret to inform the Deputy that the only funding provided by my Department for playgrounds is in the area of capital grants for play and recreation. Applications for this scheme are made through the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network.
I understand that the playground referred to by the Deputy is a private facility which has not been in receipt of funding from either my Department or its agencies.
My Department has never funded the supervision of this playground by Crosscare, and the supervisory posts referred to in the Deputy’s question would not meet the criteria for any funding scheme operated by my Department.
I regret that I could not give the Deputy a more favourable reply.