Works planned for west Cavan playgrounds

Refurbishment works are planned for two playgrounds in the west of the county.

Sites in Bawnboy and Blacklion are earmarked for upgrades, councillors attended the meeting of members elected to the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District were told.

Tenders for works on both were due to be assessed, with contractors to be appointed soon after that, said council engineer Tommy Reilly.

He noted too the recent allocation of €16,665 announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, which will be used to enhance playground facilities at Sean Lee Drive in Belturbet. The council will add a further 25% to the investment sum from its own coffers. That project will go to tender before the end of the year.

Mr Reilly stated that submissions had been made in respect of two other playgrounds - in Ballyconnell and Bailieborough.

“Our aim is to put in for three per year,” he said of planned playground works.

Fianna Fáil’s John Paul Feeley welcomed the works planned for the Blacklion playground and asked about a start date. He was told that this would all depend on the availability of contractors as well as suitable weather.

Cllr Feeley’s party colleague Áine Smith was delighted to hear about the progress planned for Bawnboy's playground. “It’s great to get the funding,” she remarked.

However, she pointed out to the council executive that there are some areas badly in need of repair.

“We're at the mercy of getting contractors,” reiterated Director of Services, Brendan Jennings, who stated that there are plans for 3v3 basketball courts at Con Smith Park in Cavan Town and also Morrissey Park in Belturbet as part of revamp those areas for amenity use.

A coffee dock and toilet facilities is still awaiting connection from the ESB and Irish Water. This though would be sorted in due course.

Patricia Walsh (FF) welcomed the erection of a one-wall handball wall at Tullacmongan, and investment at the nearby artificial pitch, due to close for seven weeks this summer to allow for works to take place.