‘Ignorant idiots’ delay opening of Laois playground - again

MINDLESS vandalism by ‘ignorant idiots’ has delayed the opening of a redeveloped Laois playground, for the second time within weeks.

A platform in the new Tower Unit at the playground in Portarlington was destroyed on Monday night and cannot be replaced, until a part arrives from the manufacturer in Europe.

Meanwhile, contractors at the site have been abused and threatened by people trying to enter the playground while works are in progress. The matter has been reported to gardaí.

The disturbing incidents occurred just over two weeks after fencing and barriers were knocked down and broken by both adults and children, so that they could gain access to the unfinished playground.

As a result, newly-seeded grassed areas and mounds were trampled and had to be repaired and reseeded, delaying the opening of the state-of-the art playground that was originally to open in late March.

Condemning the culprits as ‘ignorant idiots’, Independent councillor Aidan Mullins said today that the playground opening has unfortunately been postponed again. The opening cannot go ahead until after a safety inspection, which is provisionally booked for Wednesday 23 April.

Cllr Mullins said on social media: ‘The council had hoped to open the playground this week. However, due to the vandalism of a platform in the Tower Unit on the night of 14 April, this has been postponed until the replacement part arrives from the manufacturer in Europe.

‘Additionally, both contractor teams working on the site this week have been abused and threatened by those ignorant idiots, attempting to enter the site while works were in progress.

‘A safety inspection is provisionally booked for Wednesday 23 April and, if all is in order and the replacement part has arrived, the playground will be opened on 23 April.’ 

The Portarlington councillor added: ‘The planting of the perennial plants in the playground has to be completed and hopefully will not be removed.’ 

According to many disgusted locals who complained on social media, parents and other adults were among those who initially broke through the fencing and removed barriers to access the site, despite warnings that the playground was closed to allow turf mounds to seed.

The old playground at the People’s Park suffered regular vandalism. Locals hope that the magnificent new playground, with an array of top-quality equipment, will not suffer the same fate.

The playground is part of a €680,000 redevelopment of the People’s Park, which will be a major asset for the town.