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Departmental Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Questions (941, 942, 943, 944)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

941. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way funding accompanying the summer of play initiative can be accessed. [30845/21]

View answer

Sorca Clarke

Question:

942. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the allocation by county of funding for the summer of play initiative in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30846/21]

View answer

Sorca Clarke

Question:

943. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which local authorities can access funding accompanying the summer of play initiative. [30847/21]

View answer

Sorca Clarke

Question:

944. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the allocation by county of funding for the summer of play initiative in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30848/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 941, 942, 943 and 944 together.

The funding schemes referred to are accessible through two primary mechanisms. Local Authority representatives on the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network (LAPRN) will oversee capital funds for Play And Recreation and Play Day funding (my Department can provide contact details of the LAPRN if required). The Playing Outside Grants will be administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department; funding under this scheme will be accessible to child care providers.

On 1 June 2021, I announced the Summer of Play initiative to support and encourage children and their families to get outside and play as restrictions ease in the coming months. The initiative will see grants, supports and information resources rolled out over the summer months, creating opportunities for children and their families to enjoy play and the outdoors.

As part of the Summer of Play launch, I announced €6 million in funding. The funding is being rolled out through two grants, as follows:

1. Playing Outside Grant: Targeted at Early Learning and Care and School-Aged Childcare services; this grant will provide €5.5 million in funding for Early Learning and Childcare services to enhance their outdoor spaces to support important play and activity.

Pobal will provide further information on the application process to services, including detailed application guidelines, this month. The application process is expected to open on 18 June; with a closing date for applications of August 31, 2021.

2. Play and Recreation Capital Grant: €450,000 has been allocated for the purpose of this grant, which is designed to fund the refurbishment and development of playgrounds and play areas across the country. Notifications of approved funding have issued to the Local Authorities for the completion of successful projects, 52 across all 31 Local Authorities, in 2021. The projects funded by this grant encompass a wide range of initiatives that will deliver diverse benefits to children and young people and have a positive impact on communities. The approved projects include sensory gardens, learn to cycle tracks, and natural play trails.

The details of the projects and funding approved under the 2021 Play and Recreation Capital grant can be located at: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/136750/4b1bcf2f-870d-4c8a-8345-2b418eec4cd5.pdf#page=null

I also referenced the National Play Day Grant funding in the Summer of Play announcement on June 1. I am pleased to now confirm that the funding for this grant has increased to €100k in 2021 (from €60k in 2020). This grant will allow each Local Authority to access funding of up to €3k for the purposes of the 2021 National Play Day - which is to occur on a day of the respective Local Authorities choosing between July 3rd & 10th (inclusive). The application process for this grant is open until June 18.

Question No. 942 answered with Question No. 941.
Question No. 943 answered with Question No. 941.
Question No. 944 answered with Question No. 941.
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