Athboy playground reopens after being closed since last October

Athboy playground reopened this morning following repairs and new swings installed.

The playground was closed due to vandalism since last October.

Meath County Council has been urged to identify a more suitable location for the playground in Athboy.

A meeting of Kells Municipal District in March heard that the facility at the Cowpark has had to close several times because of problems with vandalism.

Cllr Mike Bray had called for improved playground facilities in Athboy. He urged the council to "put a plan in place and investment to improve playground facilities in Athboy with the view to installing a larger array of equipment and play options, put longer lasting play units in place, improve security and surface area, and if deemed necessary to identify a more suitable location for the Athboy playground."

"Athboy and the surrounding areas have a growing population and the playground facilities in the town need to be improved as the number of young families in the area increases,” said Cllr Bray.

“In the last year alone the playground in Athboy has been closed twice for long periods of time due to repair works on site as a result of vandalism. And it has also been closed a number of other times over recent years.

“Athboy needs a playground with better play units, improved surface area and a more secured boundary to try and reduce the ongoing issue of vandalism at the site.

“Other towns in county Meath have excellent playgrounds and Athboy should have the same.

“Meath Co Council spends a lot of money each time on repair works at the playground and replacing the damaged play units. If better quality play units were installed and the security at the site improved this would make the current location more viable.

“What is most unfair is the long periods of time the local children have been left without a playground over recent times due to vandalism and the ongoing works at the site."

Cllr David Gilroy said the biggest problem with the playground was that it was in the wrong location and he suggested amending the motion, leaving out "if deemed necessary" and keeping "to identify a more suitable location for the Athboy playground."

Cllr Bray said he was happy to support the amendment.

Cllr Gilroy said that as long as the playground was in its current location it would have a problem with vandalism, because it was isolated.

"Other locations are worth looking into. Continually investing into a playground that has failed is just throwing good money after bad."

Cllr Sarah Reilly said she had been at the playground the previous week and it was a sorry looking sight.

"The location hasn't worked. It is too far away for people. A new location is needed."

Cllr Michael Gallagher said it was in an area that was hidden from the public which is not suitable for a playground.