Playgrounds, parks and outdoor recreation

Investment in play and recreation facilities continues across the Carrickmacross and Castleblayney MD, supported by multiple funding streams successively drawn down by the local authority.

Cathaoirleach Paul Gibbons previously raised concerns about the heavily used Drumillard Playground in Castleblayney. While a recent application for a new centrally located playground was unsuccessful, he welcomed the fact that the council had committed to pursuing further funding opportunities in 2026 through the emerging County Play and Recreation Strategy.

In Inniskeen, Cllr Gibbon's Sinn Féin colleague Noel Keelan sought upgrades to the village playpark. While an earlier funding application was similarly unsuccessful, progress is now though being made under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Elected members were briefed at their December meeting. They were told that detailed design funding has now been ring-fenced for public realm and amenity improvements in the village core, including the playground area.

Elsewhere across the district, major outdoor recreation projects have also been delivered or are nearing completion, including the sensory space at Lough Muckno Park, the Mullyash Walking Loop, upgrades on Black Island, and further sensory play enhancements scheduled for early 2026.

Cllr Gibbons meanwhile welcomed work done by the council on cleaning the cobblelock in Castleblayney.