The Department recognises the importance of playgrounds in communities throughout Ireland and applications for the delivery and upgrade of playgrounds are welcome under a number of schemes operated by the Department. The Department's funding for playgrounds is provided primarily through the CLÁR programme. However, funding is also available under the town and village renewal scheme, the LEADER programme and the community enhancement programme.
The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures, including investment in playgrounds. This includes Keel community playground in Mayo, which was allocated €50,000 for upgrade works in 2021. The Department's town and village renewal scheme also provides funding avenues, with playground facilities often forming part of wider amenity projects put forward for funding.
Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including the rural infrastructure and social inclusion theme. Funding for playgrounds may be available under this theme. Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant local action group to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available.
The Department already provides significant funding towards the establishment and improvement of playgrounds throughout the country and we intend to continue to do so. These are vital community spaces for children and parents, and the Department has the schemes and funding in place to support their continued development. There are a number of schemes under which playgrounds should be able to avail of funding. They can avail of the town and village scheme if they are not in CLÁR areas. For those in CLÁR areas up to €50,000 is available through this fund.