Plans are progressing for the development of an outdoor recreation facility for young people in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

Provision of outdoor recreational space for teens is a key priority in Kildare County Council's Play Strategy 2018-2028 and the Kildare Children and Young People's Services Committee (CYPSC) Plan 2019-2021. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of the value of outdoor community space and the need for safe and welcoming spaces for young people. The need for outdoor facilities for teens in Celbridge has been highlighted by young people and parents via local school surveys and consultations.

Kildare County Council in conjunction with other community stakeholders have been working on plans to meet the need to provide an outdoor recreation facility. The initial work has concentrated on establishing a steering group to oversee the project. This Steering Group comprises staff from the Community & Culture Department in Kildare County Council, County Kildare Children and Young People Services Committee, Foroige, Insync, St Wolstans Parent Council, Celbridge Community Council, Local Councillors and parent representatives from the Community.

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The goal of the project is to enhance Celbridge as a teen-friendly town by creating safe and welcoming outdoor recreational spaces for young people, within two years of starting the consultation, in a way that is owned by young people and is developed collaboratively with the community.

Work is now underway to engage young people in the project to have their say and guide the direction and ownership of the project and what it delivers. Dr Carol Barron from the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University has been appointed to lead this engagement and will work with young people through various organisations across Celbridge who cater for young people. A report will be presented after this stage of consultation concludes in June.

Kildare County Council plans to use the findings of the consultation to progress the development of an outdoor facility at appropriate locations in Celbridge.