Kerry County Council in conjunction with Ballybunion Development Committee recently installed an outdoor street exercise area and inclusive upgrade to the existing playground in Ballybunion.
The works were funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (2020 Programme) in the amount of €3,750 towards an inclusive upgrade of the existing playground and €7,802 from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme towards Outdoor Adult Exercise Equipment in Ballybunion.
Kerry County Council’s Community Department and Listowel Municipal District supplemented these grants through the Community Support Fund.
Furthermore, Ballybunion Development Committee generously contributed €6,000 towards the project giving an overall budget of €35,000 for the works.
Kevin O’Callaghan, Chairperson of Ballybunion Development Company said: “An outdoor summer combined with a state-of-the-art facility like this complements the many attractions that Ballybunion has to offer its visitors and locals alike. Exercise, fitness, beaches and scenic walks makes for a very enjoyable day out. Ballybunion Development Company continues to make town improvements a priority and is looking forward to an influx of visitors this summer that can enjoy this new facility and the benefits of outdoor exercise.”
The council and the local development company procured and installed the Inclusive Roundabout and Outdoor Exercise Equipment adjoining the existing playground in Ballybunion. Browne Brothers Site Services Ltd. were awarded the contract and constructed the facility in June 2021, following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
The resulting facility is a wonderful open exercise area available for use by all people in the locality. The rich colours entice users to the facility and encourage use. The facility will make Ballybunion Town Park an extremely attractive area to exercise with a beautiful view of the beach and castle in the background.
Ballybunion Playground was developed in 2005. Following a review of the playground in early 2020, it was highlighted that facilities at the playground for children with a difference were limited. The latest installation of an inclusive roundabout within the playground which is fully accessible to children and young people with special needs and/or who require a wheelchair for mobility is a welcome benefit.
The new roundabout allows space for assisted devices and wheelchairs to access same and will inspire young children of all abilities to play actively whilst feeling secure in their movements.
Cllr Mike Kennelly, Cathaoirleach of the Listowel Municipal District said:
“This new exercise equipment provides an additional activity experience for locals and visitors alike. I wish to acknowledge that funding was provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme in the amount of €7,802 to Kerry County Council for the installation of Outdoor Exercise Equipment in Ballybunion.”
“I also wish to acknowledge that €3,750 funding was provided by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs Capital Grant Funding Scheme for Play and Recreation 2020 towards an Inclusive Roundabout in Ballybunion Playground.”
Pictured: Kevin O’Callaghan, Chairperson of Ballybunion Development Company with the Cathaoirleach of the Listowel Municipal District, Cllr Mike Kennelly.
