KILDARE NORTH, 11 January 2002: by Brian Byrne. The current process of producing development plans for a number of Kildare towns is a chance for the county's local authority to address the problem of a lack of playgounds. And that opportunity must be accompanied by the provision of funding for the facilities by Government.

That's the view of Leixlip-based councillor Paul Kelly (right), who notes that Kildare County Council has only one playground, with just two more being planned. 

"Towns such as Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth and Naas have expanded rapidly over the past few years and are very popular with young families," he said this week. "These towns need proper playground facilities for children. Other towns in North Kildare without playgrounds include Kilcock, Clane, and Sallins - all continuing to expand, and all equally in need of playgrounds."
 
He said that a recent survey by the National Children’s Office has found that many local authorities are failing to provide playgrounds, but that in Kildare funding is at the moment 'beyond the resources of the county council'.  "Every child needs a safe and attractive place to play and develop.  There should be one in all of our towns."

Meanwhile, at the recent Leixlip local area meeting of councillors, a report on playground projects was deemed by the members to be 'too general'.

"We want a more detailed report from the council's leisure officer," said Cllr Catherine Murphy. "We have asked that Ray Bonnar attend the next meeting of the committee, on February 1."

©2002knn

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