Funding sought to ensure urban playgrounds are maintained
The Sligo ChampionThe issue of upkeep and maintenance of playgrounds was raised at the October meeting of Sligo County Council with widespread support for a motion requesting the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to increase the annual allocation.
Speaking to her motion, Cllr Ann Higgins said, “We’re very fortunate in Sligo,” where we have good playgrounds. She stressed however, that monies must be available to maintain these facilities saying, “We need a dedicated fund for the upkeep. We need to ensure we are building communities, not concrete jungles.”
Cllr Fergal Nealon agreed with Cllr Higgins’ sentiments saying, “I think it’s more important than ever to be getting kids off screens. If there is a slide broken you could be waiting two years for it to be repaired.”
Cllrr Thomas Walsh was less receptive to the motion when he said, “We all want more money. I sit on four playground committees, we do all the work ourselves. It is a huge advantage having the local authority managing the playgrounds but this is done by volunteer committees in towns and villages. It is important we don’t create an urban/rural divide.
Cllr Edel McSharry echoed those sentiments saying, “There is a bit of an urban/rural divide. Management is left completely up to the communities, it doesn’t seem fair or equitable.
Cllr Marie Casserly added, “It is an insult the amount of money given to play facilities for children. We have two Tús workers and that is like winning the lotto, you know the playground will be safe before the children go into it.
"The public think all playgrounds are managed by the Council and they ask why they have to continually pay for the upkeep.”
Cllr Casserly added, “There is a huge amount of expertise needed just to keep it running.”
Cllr Joe Queenan brought an alternative viewpoint saying, “There is no such thing as a free lunch. The system is fine.”
Cllr Higgins closed the debate saying, “All children should be afforded play facilities.”