An information pack for communities interested in building playgrounds was launched last week by Mary Hanafin, Minster of State for Health and Children.

Nearly half the State's local authorities have no playground provision, and the pack meets a growing demand from communities interested in creating play facilities themselves. It looks at new EU standards on play equipment, the siting and design of play areas, the play value of equipment, facilities for young teenagers and sources of further information. Copies of the pack are available from Sugradh, Springfields, Hollybrook, Bray, Co Wicklow, price £2, including postage, or contact Margaret Webb (tel: (01) 872 5192).