The need for playground facilities for young children in both Cloughjordan and Silvermines has been raised with the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Fianna Fáil TD Ryan O’Meara spoke on the matter in the Dáil highlighting that the villages have dedicated, skilled and ambitious voluntary committees that have been working on this for a number of years.
However he says the issue of funding is the stumbling block at this stage with LEADER funding for North Tipp already maxed out.
“Both have secured lands – the Thomas MacDonagh Memorial Garden in Cloughjordan and the Parish Field in the Silvermines. Both have considerable sums of money fundraised, both have acquired planning permission and both have detailed designs published.
“The Silvermines have already gone out to the public and showed them their plans. Cloughjordan are doing it this weekend from 12pm to 3pm in St Kieran’s Hall.
“Both have very excited children who want their own playground locally but both have major problems with accessing funding.”
The Minister for Rural and Community Development says the onus is on Tipperary County Council to seek funding for the playground facilities.
Minister Calleary says his Department cannot approve funding until they receive an application from the local authority.
“They did express to Tipperary County Council an expression of interest for funding. There will potentially be funding there. Tipperary County Council have not forwarded that on to our department for consideration.
“So I’m happy to engage with you but the Local Action Group needs to make a decision or Tipperary County Council needs to get it to our department.”
