Labour candidate Brian McCrea has highlighted what he feels to be the lack of adequate play facilities for children in the Ballybofey area.
Brian McCrea has blasted the lack of adequate playground facilities for children in the Ballybofey area.
McCrea is outraged by the fact at present there is no area where children can engage in physical outdoor activities.
McCrea said the anger of parents at the inadequate facilities for children in the area have been reiterated repeatedly on the doorsteps.
According to McCrea, parents relayed to him their deep dissatisfaction with the inadequate facilities in the area, and have expressed their desire to see the provision of facilities in the locality.
McCrea believes not only was there physical benefits for children but also the social aspect that encourages development through engagement and stimulation.
McCrea told Donegal Daily, A recent study by Safefood Ireland has found that ‘treats’ make up 20% of the calorie intake of the average Irish child, with 70% eating ‘treats’ at least once a day, raising concerns about possible health issues.
“In light of these findings it is even more important that children are given the opportunity to take part in healthy pursuits’.
“I recently visited Blissberry Social Farm, Doorin, Mountcharles and I was impressed by what I saw.
“Essentially it’s composed of allotments and community gardens, where individuals and groups of all ages can engage in outdoor gardening activities.
Research suggests that ‘community gardens’ can help curb social exclusion, increase physical exercise, encourage a nutritious diet, help people relax, teach new life skills, support mental health and empower people, all of which can ultimately assist in the trying times in which we live’.
McCrea concluded, “I would encourage the provision of such plots for cultivation.
“If made available for the purposes outlined, it would also help develop a sense of shared pride in shared spaces, a cornerstone of local communities.
“Suitable sites should be researched in the Ballybofey area.