Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 12 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 5

Written Answers. - Children's Playgrounds.

Seán Power

Ceist:

139 Mr. Power asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether there is a lack of proper children's playgrounds; the grants, if any, available for the provision of these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12330/99]

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

Under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1994 it is a matter for local authorities 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 local authority and other social housing or the refurbishment of existing housing under the remedial works scheme.