New inclusive outdoor play area opens at Mayo pre-school

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has officially opened a new inclusive outdoor play area at Cnoc na nÓg pre-school in Straide, Co. Mayo.

The playground, which received €58,045 in funding under the 2025 CLÁR programme, has been developed to ensure that all children, regardless of mobility, can participate in outdoor activities in a safe and accessible environment.

The official opening took place on Saturday, October 24, marking an important development for the pre-school and the wider Straide community.

The new facility will provide younger children with greater opportunities to play, learn and socialise outdoors, making sure that children of all abilities can participate together.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Calleary highlighted the important role played by the school and pre-school in responding to the changing needs of rural communities.

“Reflecting the growth, modernisation and new demands of the communities of the west of Ireland, Straide National School now encompasses the Cnoc na nÓg Outdoor Pre-School for younger children,” he said. “This innovative outdoor preschool provides a safe accessible space for younger children to learn and thrive together.”

Minister Calleary said the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht remained committed to supporting communities across Ireland through funding programmes designed to improve rural facilities and services.

He pointed to initiatives such as the CLÁR programme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which help communities make rural Ireland an attractive place to live, work, visit and raise families.

The Minister welcomed the investment in Straide, saying he was delighted that more than €58,000 had been made available to deliver the project.

He also praised the Board of Management, teachers, parents and the local community for working together to bring the new play area to completion.

€5.7 million invested in Mayo through CLÁR

The project forms part of the wider CLÁR programme, which provides funding for small-scale infrastructure projects in designated rural areas.

Since 2020, the programme has provided more than €68 million for projects nationwide, including €5.7 million for 123 projects across County Mayo.

The investment in Cnoc na nÓg pre-school highlights the role of the scheme in supporting rural communities by improving local facilities and creating more inclusive spaces for children and families.

The new outdoor play area represents a valuable addition to the Straide community, providing a welcoming environment where younger children can enjoy outdoor activities together, regardless of their individual needs or mobility.