Funding shortfall holds up playground project in Mayo village

Efforts are being made to address a funding shortfall for a long-awaited Mayo playground project.

A meeting of Mayo County Council’s Planning Strategic Committee heard that rising construction costs are putting the Bohola playground project in peril. 

The local community raised €100,000 for the playground for their area which remains undelivered. A tender for the development came in €30,000 over budget, the meeting heard.

Cllr Adrian Forkan highlighted the issue and called on the council to address the delays in delivering the development.

Parks Superintendent Peter Gill said there have been discussions about the matter and efforts will have to be made to try and bridge the funding deficit. 

Mr Gill delivered a presentation on Mayo County Council’s Draft Play Strategy, which aims to make facilities accessible to all and put communities front and centre.

It included the ‘Destination Play’ concept which will focus on the refurbishment of existing facilities and seek to cater for teenagers who are lacking in places to go.

“What the research is telling us is that we serve that demographical group of children up to the age of 13 really, really well, but that vulnerable age group from teenagers to young adults we don’t,” said Mr Gill.

He has selected four sites in the county which will have a ‘Destination Play’ focus. These include Ballina Town Park, Castlebar Town Park, Friary Grounds in Ballyhaunis, and a site in Westport yet to be confirmed.

“Young people need safe places to hang out,” said Mr Gill. “The research is telling us that we need to respond to that,” he added.

He said a simple solution is sheltered areas at the sites mentioned which could have Wi-Fi or phone charging capabilities. Activities such as parkour (obstacle courses) could also be incorporated into the works.

“We all know that’s the vulnerable age group - teenagers and young adults,” said Mr Gill.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.