No funding for northside playgrounds

The northside has lost out once again in funding for playgrounds and other outdoor amenities, a Cork TD has said.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould said he was disappointed at the lack of any funding allocation for playgrounds on the northside of Cork city in the announced Play and Recreation Grant Scheme.

Deputy Gould said the Government funding announced in the scheme again fails to recognise the lack of well-services amenities on the northside, and appears to be “another chance for Government TDs and councillors to pat themselves on the back without any real progress being made”.

He said: “Right across Cork North Central, there are communities where children cannot walk or cycle to accessible, fully equipped playgrounds. As we come into the summer months, we will once again see children who are unable to access outdoor play in Cork city.”

He continued: “This has to change. It is better for the environment, better for child development and better for wellbeing to have playgrounds and outdoor play opportunities located in the heart of communities.

“I have contacted the council multiple times in the last few weeks and months with proposals for improvements of, or areas that need, playgrounds. Why were none of these considered for this scheme?

“I am disappointed that once again the northside loses out. It is time for transformational investment in facilities across the city to make sure that children and adults alike have outdoor spaces they can access using active travel modes,” Deputy Gould concluded.