Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
278. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is monitoring the play street pilot introduced by Fingal County Council; if his Department has considered how to facilitate the establishment of play streets within the road and traffic law framework in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48619/23]
View answerChildren in Ireland are increasingly growing up indoors and moments for communities to gather and get to know each other have become all too infrequent. It is well documented that access to spontaneous free play is essential in developing children’s physical, mental and emotional well being, the benefits of which remain throughout their lives. On top of this, communities are becoming increasingly disconnected as they don’t have the same opportunities to meet and mix as they once did.
I am therefore extremely encouraged by the Play Street Pilot initiative introduced by Fingal County Council and I would encourage all Local Authorities to monitor its progress with a view to rolling out similar schemes country-wide. Currently the requirement of temporary road closures to facilitate these play streets is at the discretion of the relevant Local Authority - in this case Fingal County Council. Per the Deputy's suggestion, I will bear any legislative possibilities in mind pending the outcome of the pilot scheme.
