By Christy Parker

Parents will be pleased to know that repair work on the Millennium Park playground is likely to begin shortly. The facility has been closed since early in the year, as the Council seeks €50,000 funding to undertake the work. ‘We hope the money likely to come on stream imminently and the work can begin,’ says Town Clerk Liam Ryan. ‘It should be open before summer ends.’

As well as repairs to the playground structures (decapitated horses and half-eaten swings -kids tsk!) the chief outlay focuses on a new surface. The present tattered tiling system is to be replaced by a different system of ground covering, Mr Ryan explains, adding that, contrary to rumour, ;no claims have been lodged against the council” in regard to the playground.

Playground maintenance -not unlike children themselves- is a costly exercise. While Youghal’s other two playgrounds at Chestnut Drive and Blackwater Heights continue to flourish, Mr. Ryan reveals that over €60,000 has been invested in them in recent times.

Meanwhile the Council is looking at a site near the town centre with a view to establishing another outdoor games and play area. Team sport facilities like basketball would be facilitated on what amounts to under an acre of space. Further information on this initiative will be forthcoming shortly.