A Galway senator has said a long-term investment in a new skatepark for Loughrea would save taxpayers money while restoring an important community amenity.
Loughrea-based Senator Shane Curley is calling on Galway County Council to fund the refurbishment of the town’s skate park.
He believes a new facility built with low-maintenance concrete ramps and features would provide a lasting recreational space without generating significant ongoing maintenance costs.
The skate park was used for years by local skaters, rollerbladers and BMX riders before it was removed by Galway County Council due to age-related deterioration and rusting.
In July, the Loughrea Skateboarding group, led by skateborder Jake McNally, submitted a proposal to the council to bring the skate facility back to life.
Senator Curley said a replacement facility is needed if Loughrea is to continue to promote social inclusion and provide a wide range of recreational opportunities for young people.
He argued that a permanent concrete skatepark would also reduce maintenance demands on council staff and lower long-term costs.
“We need a longer-term vision on this. If we invest slightly more at the outset, we can reduce the amount of taxpayers’ money spent maintaining outdoor amenities,” Senator Curley said.
“Nobody sets out to do this, but trying to save money during the initial installation can end up costing taxpayers far more in the long run. The council has to subcontract a significant amount of maintenance work that could be avoided if a greater investment was made in durable, long-lasting materials from the beginning.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.