Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
1199. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the funding available under the play and recreation scheme for 2025; and if consideration will be given for once off funding for large urban areas to develop and build playgrounds. [46867/24]
View answerIn 2025, the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation will make €500,000 available for the development of new play and recreation facilities, the refurbishment of existing facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements. Funding is available to all Local Authorities for a project the Local Authority wishes to develop or refurbish, including projects in large urban areas. Applications must be made through the relevant Local Authority Play and Recreation Network member.
The criteria for the scheme were developed in partnership with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network, established to bring a focus on play and recreation within each local authority.
For each project, 25% of the awarded amount must be provided by the Local Authority. The facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people of all abilities, as far as possible.
All facilities and equipment funded must be child-friendly and safe, and all projects funded under the scheme must provide evidence that children and young people living locally and who will have access to the facility, have been consulted about the project for which funding is sought.
All spaces and facilities for which funding is granted must be available for use by all children and young people in the locality at times when they are free to use them, including outside of school hours.
Children’s playgrounds and play areas should be places of fun and activity for all children to enjoy, so that every child can experience the joy and excitement that comes with playing outdoors.
The 2025 scheme will open for applications at the end of January 2025.
