Mayo County Council falling short in playground maintenance - Dillon

MAYO TD Alan Dillon has said Mayo County Council has 'fallen short' in maintaining the county's playgrounds to a proper standard. 

The Fine Gael TD has said a dedicated grant scheme is required for the maintenance and improvement of playgrounds.

Last year, there were 122 local-authority funded playground facilities on 80 sites in Mayo, which is the fifth highest number nationally.

The funding of playgrounds has been the subject of lengthy and occasionally passionate debate when the matter has come before Mayo County Council in recent times. 

"Many of these public and community playgrounds are now well over a decade old, and we are starting to see safety issues arise along with the need for general maintenance," said Deputy Dillon. 

"Upgrading or completely replacing equipment has become increasingly essential, and the absence of such upgrades often poses challenges in obtaining insurance coverage. Unfortunately, Mayo County Council has fallen short in fulfilling its responsibilities by allocating inadequate budgetary funds for these purposes. As a result, numerous pieces of equipment in public playgrounds under their ownership have fallen into disrepair, ultimately compromising the well-being and recreational opportunities for our children."

Deputy Dillon said that the build-up of these problems is becoming 'a significant concern; for parents and volunteers working  in communities. 

He suggested that a grant scheme for playgrounds could be funded by channelling funding through the Department of Rural and Community Development, which he said would ensure value for taxpayers' money. 

He has raised the matter with Fine Gael colleague and Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys, whom he said indicated 'openness' to the idea. 

Citing the response to last year's Community Centres Investment Fund Deputy Dillon said: "Over €45.8 million was allocated to refurbish more than 860 community centres, transforming them into safer, more accessible, and enjoyable spaces for families and communities.

"I have already called on my Fine Gael cabinet colleagues for the inclusion of the Community Playground Upgrade Scheme in the upcoming budget to ensure that playgrounds throughout the country become safer, more appealing, and continue to be valued assets within their communities."

The Mayo News has contacted Mayo County Council for a comment.