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Clare County Council's allocation of funds for the development of playgrounds has reached €1.5 million.
The Community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009, which is an initiative established under the Play Policy Action Plan for Clare, provides €500,000 each year to community groups seeking to develop playgrounds.
A number of playgrounds are scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Elsewhere, the 'first sod' was recently turned on a playground for Sixmilebridge while work on a new playground in Tulla is expected to commence shortly. Playgrounds for O'Briensbridge ad and Ballynacally are currently in the planning stages.
Among the 14 other community groups that have received funding for playground developments since 2006 are Kildysart, Corofin, Lisdoonvarna, Meelick, Doora/Roslevan, Lahinch, Scariff, Killaloe, Inis Ealga in Shannon, Quin, Mountshannon and St Claire’s Special School in Ennis.
Tom Coughlan, Director of Services, Community & Enterprise, Clare County Council, described the Community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009 as a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community and local authority works together.
He commented: "The partnership approach to developing play facilities has a significant role in improving the quality of life for communities across Clare. The Council looks forward to this positive working relationship continuing into the future with the result that we are making the county a better places to live in and visit."
2009 will see the final EUR500k allocated to community playground projects in County Clare. Expressions of interest and submissions for funding under this scheme will be advertised in October 2008 with a closing date for receipt of proposals of December 12th 2008.
Any community group interested in developing a community playground can contact the Community & Enterprise Section of Clare Co Council (065 6846222) for details of the Community Playground Grant Scheme 2006-2009, as well as guidelines for the development of a playground.
(JM)
