A new community playground on the Dingle Peninsula has been opened by Minister Kevin Boxer Moran, providing local families and visitors with a high quality, modern play facility.
The playground ‘Oileán na nÓg’ in Dún Chaoin is the first in Kerry constructed entirely from hardwood and provides a range of play facilities for all abilities.
Local community organisation, Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin, recently completed the development of the playground on lands adjacent to the Blasket Centre, which are set against the stunning backdrop of the Blasket Islands and the Atlantic Ocean.
Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin Boxer Moran, said he was ‘delighted’ to be at the official opening of the site, calling the playground a ‘much-needed’ amenity for the area.
“This is a wonderful community amenity that will support children’s growth and development, while also providing a lasting space for future generations to enjoy,” said Minister Boxer Moran.
“The playground will be operated and maintained by Kerry County Council in conjunction with Comharchumann Dún Chaoin and the OPW is delighted to have been a part of this initiative.
“The OPW is committed to conserving and protecting the island while providing facilities on both the island and mainland so visitors can appreciate and enjoy An Blascaod Mór.”
The project was funded by a significant local fundraising drive, LEADER grant funding and a contribution of €35,000 from Kerry County Council.
The playground has now been taken in charge by Kerry County Council for the purposes of maintenance and insurance.
Cathaoirleach of the Castleisland-Corca Dhuine Municipal District, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, said that the new playground was an exciting amenity for the locality
“Kerry County Council is proud to have worked with the local community to develop this important community infrastructure,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.
“I would like to thank our staff, the Blasket Centre, the OPW, North East and West Kerry Development, and Comharchumann Dún Chaoin for supporting this exciting project.”
Leas-Chathaoirleach of Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin, Máire Uí Mhurchú, said: “Dea-shampla ab ea an tionscadal seo do leanaí óga an pharóiste a chonaic teacht aniar a dtuismitheoirí, a gcaomhnóirí, a ngaolta agus a gcairde agus iad ag obair ar son na cúise agus ar son na Gaelainne.
“Oileán na nÓg a bhaisteamar air agus táimid thar a bheith mórálach as.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme