Grants totalling €2 million are to be given to 32 local authorities for the provision of new and refurbished children's playgrounds, it was announced today.
The grants are part of the "Ready, Steady, Play" policy launched earlier this year by the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Mr Brian Lenihan.
The authorities will receive funding of up to 50 per cent of the total cost of the project.
The biggest grant of €140,000 has been allocated to Fingal County Council towards the Millennium Park in Blanchardstown. The second largest allocation, €115,000, has been given to South Dublin County Council towards the development of Tymon Park. The largest grant allocated outside the capital goes to Galway County Council which receives €100,000 for a children's playground in Loughrea town.
Speaking at the announcement of the grants scheme today, Mr Lenihan paid tribute to officials in the local authorities around the country for "the effort that they put into the development of the council's proposals."
He said that all playgrounds in the scheme will be free of charge to the public.