Urgent concern over 'dangerous' Tipperary playground facilities

An accident waiting to happen at Garrykennedy playground

At the June meeting of the Nenagh MD, Cllr Fiona Bonfield raised concerns over the deterioration of Garrykennedy playground during a wider discussion on funding in lakeside villages.

"I've had a few calls from the community in Garrykennedy recently about the playground," she said.

"The community have asked if we could look at carrying out some maintenance work and giving it a bit of a freshen up.

"I know Dromineer playground is getting investment this year, but could Garrykennedy be next in line? It's something the community have been asking for."

Cllr Pamela Quirke O'Meara later echoed those concerns, warning that parts of the playground had become unsafe.

"I just want to support Councillor Bonfield on the Garrykennedy playground," she said.

"It definitely needs attention and it's actually becoming dangerous. The ground has sunk underneath the swings and a child could easily have a serious fall, so I think it's a matter of urgency that it be looked at."

Responding to the concerns, District Administrator Rosemary Joyce reassured councillors that the issue was known to the local authority and that Director of Services Brian Beck was examining potential grant funding opportunities to address the problems at the playground.

"The next time there is a grant opportunity for playgrounds, Garrykennedy will be top of the list in terms of looking at it," she said.

Dromineer was recently allocated €19,562 under the Government's Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation to carry out improvement works at its playground.

Councillors asked whether the works in Dromineer could be completed as soon as possible to allow families to make use of the upgraded facility during the peak summer season. However, Ms Joyce explained that commencing the works immediately would likely require the playground to close during one of its busiest periods.

As a result, the improvement works are expected to begin in September, allowing the playground to remain open throughout the summer months.