Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1776. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the details of the works that will be carried out in Ballcurris Park, Dublin 11 which he recently announced given Dublin City Council has not been advised of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1786/22]
View answerThe Department of Health has contributed once off funding of €4.75mil to 19 areas selected to partake in phase 1 of Sláintecare Healthy Communities in the form of a Community Enhancement Scheme. This enhancement funding is to support projects that will positively impact on the health and wellbeing of those who live within the selected Communities. This scheme has demonstrated a collaborative approach with local authorities working together with the local community and stakeholders to identify projects that support the increased use of, and access to, amenities in their areas and that invoke an improved sense of community and wellbeing.
As was stipulated in the service level agreement, Dublin City Council alongside the LCDC worked with communities to identify projects that enhance or redevelop existing amenities, or alternatively support new opportunities to address the social determinants of health in their area.
During this process, Balcurris Park was selected for the Enhancement Scheme. Dublin City Council Housing and Community Services together with Dublin City Council Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services are developing plans with a newly formed local committee to advance a new community garden space in the park environs and provide new recreational facilities. The expected outcomes are to:
- Increase overall access to and promote use of Balcurris Park through the provision of new trails, walkways and natural play areas that support community healthy place making and wellbeing.
- Install new recreational outdoor gym equipment that promotes health and fitness and delivers positive health impacts to benefit the local community;
- In collaboration with the Ballymun Health and Fitness Initiative and DCC Sports Health and Wellbeing Partnership, promote and market awareness of the new Community Garden space and outdoor gym facilities, including mentoring and coaching.
