Families in Booterstown and Blackrock have welcomed to the official opening by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council of three new neighbourhood playgrounds.

The facilities are located in Carysfort Park, Springhill and in Booterstown at Blackrock Park.

These new facilities are part of the council's ongoing playground construction programme which has seen the development of 15 new play facilities between 2003 - 2009.

The playgrounds were funded by development levies, which have helped the council deliver on its 'Play Policy'.

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Speaking at the launch, An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Marie Baker congratulated the Parks Department on the new playgrounds.

"Each playground has been specifically designed to be accessible for children of varying abilities, in line with best practice and the principles of inclusion.

"Therefore I think it is very fitting that these facilities were opened during the Council's annual Social Inclusion Week programme."

Senior Parks Superintendent Leslie Moore explained how the locations of the three new playgrounds were chosen to optimise the 'natural surveillance' of the facility by the local community.

"This is about investing in our neighbourhoods to provide play opportunities for children close to their homes.

"Together with regular maintenance it is the Council's firm intention to ensure that our playgrounds are maintained to the highest standards and that funding is set aside for their renewal in future years."

(PR/BMcC)