There are fresh hopes for the reopening of Glenties community playground after it was announced today that funding has been secured for repair works.
The playground was locked to the public last month after the committee said they could no longer fund the insurance and upkeep of the space.
The playground was originally constructed through local funding, Leader and Lottery grants, which meant that the local authority was not in a position to cover the insurance costs.
Recent interventions have sparked fresh hope that Donegal County Council can take over the responsibility of the playground so it can be enjoyed by families again.
Glenties Community Playground. Photo: Sue Barrington Photography
Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher and local County Councillor Anthony Molloy confirmed today that funding has been secured to carry out the necessary repairs at the playground. A notice of motion to takeover the playground will be submitted to Donegal County Council “at the earliest opportunity”, they said.
In a joint statement, Pat the Cope and Cllr Molloy said: “The playground was originally funded through Leader, Lottery and by local contributions, and since its opening the running costs have been the responsibility of the local committee, who have carried out trojan work over the years. We wish to compliment the commitment of the local voluntary group who continue to look after the playground.
“We would be hopeful that once the repairs are completed and the playground brought up to a high standard, that the Council will then be in a position to take over the responsibility.
“Both of us would like to publicly acknowledge the co-operation of the Playground Committee, Glenties Community Development Group and the benefactor for funding the repairs. We will both maintain the pressure so that the repairs are completed and that Donegal County Council can secure the long term viability of the playground.”