Ten-year wait for Wexford playground may finally reach its conclusion in 2026 – ‘The frustration of the community is at an all-time high’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The long-awaited playground in Kilmuckridge is expected to begin construction next summer after the local council confirmed its deadline to draw down funding for the project has been extended.

Having previously been granted €75,000 under the Community Recognition Funding scheme, Wexford County Council (WCC) was in danger of passing the deadline required to utilise the funding.

However, following consultation with the Department of Community Development, the €75,000 has been secured allowing the playground to proceed as planned. Although tender documents are currently being prepared and are expected to be submitted by the end of the year, work on the construction of the new facility is not due to begin until the middle of 2026.

At the November meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Councillor Mary Farrell said she was “really disappointed” to hear the playground wouldn’t be ready and open by the summer.

“This has been going on so long, it must be the longest-running preparation for a playground I’ve ever seen,” she said. “The frustration of the community is at an all-time high, this is ten years we’re waiting.”

Explaining the reasons for the delay, director of services Liz Hore said time was needed to finalise the tender documents but insisted the project would be delivered next year.

“In the meantime, we’ll get the design drawings and hold a public information event and show people what it will look like,” she added.