‘Urgent’ works needed on ‘dangerous’ Tipperary playground
There have been calls for “urgent” works on a Tipperary playground, which is in a “dangerous” state at present.
At the June meeting of the Nenagh Municipal District, Labour Party councillor Fiona Bonfield raised the issue of the playground in Garrykennedy, saying that it should be considered next on the list for upgrade works.
“I’ve had calls from the community down in Garrykennedy wondering if we could look at doing a bit of development at Garrykennedy playground,” Cllr Bonfield said.
“I know Dromineer playground is getting investment this year, but could Garrykennedy be next in line because the community have asked. It just needs a freshen up and a bit of maintenance going forward.
“I was talking to the management team and we were hopeful it might get done next year, but can it be looked at if funding comes?” Cllr Bonfield asked.
Supporting Cllr Bonfield’s call was independent councillor Pamela Quirke O’Meara who said that works were urgently needed on the playground, which is in a “dangerous” condition.
“I just want to support Cllr Bonfield on the playground in Garrykennedy, it definitely needs attention,” she said.
“It’s come to my attention from people there, and I’ve seen it myself, it’s actually dangerous up there at the moment. The ground has sunken under the swings, so a child can have a serious fall off those swings.
“I think that works are needed as a matter of urgency, and it needs to be looked at,” Cllr Quirke O’Meara added.
In response, district administrator Rosemary Joyce said that the council were aware of the issues at the playground, and were working on a plan to address them.
“I take on board everything that has been said about Garrykennedy,” Ms Joyce said.
“There has been inspections carried out, and Brian [Beck, district director] is working on a programme for that, and will do what he can.
“The next time that there is a grant opportunity for playgrounds, Garrykennedy will be top of the list in terms of looking at it,” Ms Joyce added.
The calls for investment in the playground come as significant public investment is already underway elsewhere in Garrykennedy.
Garrykennedy Harbour is currently undergoing a multi-million euro upgrade project, which will see the development of an extension to the existing welfare building to provide a changing places facility, alterations to existing parking to facilitate four campervan parking spaces with power and water points, accessible parking and provision of bike parking / charging facilities.