The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Dónal Gilroy officially opened the newly developed Community Playground in Ballymote on Friday last.
Official opening of redeveloped Ballymote Playground
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The newly developed Playground provides children of all abilities and ages with modern play facilities in a safe environment, with inclusive play and sensory equipment. Visual displays, including a Communication Board, has also been installed. These displays allow children to make choices, express themselves and socially connect with others.
The Playground project received funding from key grant funding programmes in Sligo County Council and Sligo LEADER Partnership, which was complemented by community fundraising and local donations totalling over €50,000.
Speaking at the event, the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Dónal Gilroy said:
“It is my privilege to officially open this remarkable new Playground facility. This project that has brought joy, pride, and renewed energy to this town. The Playground is more than a collection of equipment; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a purpose. Ballymote Community Council and its Playground Working Group, has delivered a space that is inclusive, imaginative, and built for every child in the area to enjoy.”
Interim Chair of the Sligo LEADER Partnership, Mr. Finbarr Filan, welcomed the opening of the redeveloped facility, noting:
“The formal opening of the Playground is a celebration of all the great work completed by Ballymote Community Council and its Playground Working Group. Sligo LEADER Partnership has been delighted with the progress made in Ballymote since it launched its Innovating Communities ‘Breathing Life into Ballymote’ programme three years ago, from which the Community Council was established. This Playground demonstrates the importance of the LEADER programme in communities, and generations of kids will benefit from playing at this facility.”
Shane Rafferty, Chairperson of the Ballymote Community Council, said:
“Our ambition was to deliver a ‘gold standard’ playground for Ballymote and south Sligo, an inclusive amenity for all which provides accessible and inclusive play for children of all abilities and ages. It has been a transformative project which has restored a vital community facility and has also created a lasting legacy of community spirit and engagement in achieving a common goal. On behalf of our group, I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible.”