Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 1

Written Answers. - Children's Playgrounds.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

315 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is the policy of local authorities to remove children's playgrounds from public open space; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only one public playground in Limerick city; the policy, if any, he has on the provision of public playgrounds in the interest of health and safety for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19380/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1994, local authorities are empowered to provide, operate and maintain parks, open spaces and amenities, including children's playgrounds, for amenity and recreational purposes.

It is a matter for local authorities to determine the extent to which resources ought to be applied to playgrounds generally. I might add that the provision or upgrading of appropriate limited facilities such as open spaces, recreation facilities, amenity areas etc. may be funded from my Department's capital allocations where the work is undertaken in conjunction with the provision of new housing or the refurbishment of existing housing under the remedial works scheme.