Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
51. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if funding is available through his Department to support insurance and safety-related costs for a local community playground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8243/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises the importance of playgrounds in communities throughout Ireland.
Funding for the delivery and upgrade of playgrounds has previously been provided under a number of schemes operated by my Department including the CLÁR Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the LEADER programme, the Community Recognition Fund and the Local Enhancement Programme.
Under the schemes mentioned above, many community playgrounds have received funding for safety related costs such as perimeter fencing, access gates and re-surfacing of play areas. While the Department will continue to fund measures such as these in the future, there is no funding available towards ongoing costs such as insurance. Regarding access to insurance by community groups, the Government, through the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market, continues to prioritise increased competition and capacity across the insurance sector, including insurance for community groups.
Playgrounds are vital community spaces for children, and my department has the schemes and funding in place to support their continued development. Further details of all funding available can be found on my department's website.
