Vol. 569 No. 4
180 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has given consideration to the development of a children's playground on a small section of the grounds of Farmleigh as the Dublin West-Dublin 15 area in which Farmleigh is located has no children's playground, although it has a population in excess of 70,000 and large numbers of new families and small children. [18028/03]
Given the nature and specific functions of Farmleigh House and estate as a State residence for visiting dignitaries and as a venue for high level Government meetings and functions, it is not considered to be an appropriate or suitable location for a children's playground for the local community. While a successful public access programme has been in operation since Farmleigh opened in 2001, necessary security restrictions during official use of Farmleigh means that the estate cannot be open for public use seven days a week. It is sometimes necessary also to close the estate and house to the public at short notice. In these circumstances, it would not serve the interests of the local community nor would it represent good value for money to devote resources to developing a children's play ground at Farmleigh as a community amenity when access to that facility by the local community may be restricted to a significant extent and in an unpredictable manner.
The provision of community amenities such as children's playgrounds falls principally within the local authorities' area of responsibility. The question of providing a children's playground for the Dublin 15-Dublin West area should be raised with the community or parks divisions of Fingal County Council.
