Young people in Dungarvan are set to benefit from a new €200,000 skatepark which has officially opened to the public.

Dungarvan Skatepark was constructed in less than nine weeks and designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind with input from Waterford Comhairle na nÓg and local skateboarders. Browne Brothers Site Services worked in conjunction with Vulcano Skateparks from Spain for the design and construction of the skatepark.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John O'Leary visited the site to officially open the new facility.

Speaking at the official opening, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John O'Leary said: "I am truly delighted to see so many skateboarders and BMXers availing of the new skatepark. The park has been accessible for a few weeks and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

"To see crowds of young people, sharing this space, learning new skills or polishing their old skills, encouraging each other and developing new friendships is heartening.

"Now that skateboarding is officially an Olympic Sport, we could be looking at a future gold medallist hailing from Dungarvan or the surrounding areas. Olympic dreams, like most dreams, start with a spark of encouragement or motivation and I believe this park is where Olympic dreams can become a reality."

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Located in Fairlane, the skatepark is suited to skateboarders, rollerbladers, BMXers and scooter riders of all ages, skills and styles.

Over the past 15 years many groups and individuals have been calling for the provision of a skatepark in Dungarvan. Building on this work Dungarvan Skatepark c.l.g. was established to bring this wonderful amenity to fruition. The directors of Dungarvan Skatepark c.l.g. are Donal Connolly, Mary Leahy, Cordelia Burke and John Donovan. Mary, Cordelia and John, all officers of Dungarvan No Name Club and previously involved in the building of The Fusion Centre in Dungarvan. Donal brings vast experience from his time as Waterford County Manager and within the Lions Club.

The 600m2 facility developed by Dungarvan Skatepark Company is constructed in concrete and combines elements of bowl and street plaza features.  It has been designed with the specific needs of skateboarders in mind with input from Waterford Comhairle na nÓg and local skateboarders.

The input from the skateboarders was very much taken on board and today the skaters can effortlessly complete their ollies, frontside 180s, laser flips and kick flips in the bowl section, while at the street plaza area, skaters and riders can negotiate street obstacles such as stairs, railings and benches.

Donal Connolly, Dungarvan Skatepark Company commented: "The whole premise of the skatepark was to give young people a safe space to skateboard, the opportunity to meet their friends outdoors, have fun and try their hand at skateboarding, regardless of their level of skills.

"It's evident today that that has been achieved and we're delighted that skateboarding has become hugely popular with young people who have never tried their hand at it before simply because this facility is outstanding, welcoming and accessible."

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added: "What makes this park particularly special is that it is the opinions, suggestions and advice from those who would use skatepark, have shaped the park.

"Through consultation and engagement with stakeholders Dungarvan Skatepark Company has developed an amenity that has massive appeal to children, their families and young adults and is the envy of many towns and cities."