Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
881. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is any funding available for local authorities to draw down to run community fun days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43944/24]
View answerMy Department provides grant funding for National Play Day. This is provided to Local Authorities to allow them to create and host play and recreational opportunities for children and young people in their communities. The 2024 National Play Day took place on a series of days, between July 13th and 21st 2024.
The aim of National Play Day is to promote play opportunities for children all across the country. Applications are received from Local Authorities for the implementation of a programme of a range of activities to support National Play Day. Each Local Authority that applies for funding under this grant scheme can receive funding up to a maximum of €3,000.
National Play Day funding can also be used by Local Authorities to purchase and distribute play packs to children and young people. These play packs are targeted at children in the wider community in addition to children who may have fewer play opportunities. Play Packs can include items such as skipping ropes, soft balls, crafts or drawing materials, toys for communication, toys for socialisation, toys for sensory, toys for manipulation, and toys for movement.
This year, 30 local authorities successfully applied for funding under this scheme, totalling €90,000.
It is anticipated that similar funding will be available for National Play Day in 2025.
