Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that he has given sanction to Laois Community and Enterprise Development to approve funding of up to €187,500 to the Rathdowney Playground Group for the development of a playground and multi use games area in the village of Rathdowney, Co Laois.

This funding, provided under the Village Renewal and Development measure of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 will provide the necessary financial support to allow this community group made up of dedicated parents and community members to develop the first state of the art play and games area for the children of Rathdowney and surrounding areas. The project is a joint effort involving the Rathdowney Playground Group in cooperation with Laois County Council and the RDP.

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Minister Hogan said: "This project is an excellent example of the work of a community that not only identified a need in their area but also worked tirelessly to be able to address that need in difficult and challenging times. It is an example of what can be done when communities and state agencies work together to provide facilities that will benefit not just the children of areas where the project will be situated but also the children of its surrounding communities. I would like to commend the parents and community members of Rathdowney as well as Laois Community and Enterprise Development and Laois County Council for having the determination to bring the project to this stage of its development and wish them and all the children who will have the good fortune to use this facility all the best for the future."

The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme currently offer and will continue to offer significant financial resources to rural communities going forward. With a budget of €96 million for 2012 it is critically important that rural communities’ all over Ireland continue to harness local energies in order to avail of the resources and further develop all aspects of their own communities.

(CD/GK)