Work to start on €95k Laois playground upgrade

WORK is about to start on a €95,000 makeover for one of the largest public playgrounds in Laois.

A major refurbishment of Rathdowney playground is due to begin at the end of November and is expected to be completed by March 2026, subject to weather conditions.

The playground will have to close intermittently while the works are being carried out, according to Laois Co Council. While temporary closures will be required at various stages during the four-month renovation, it’s hoped that disruption will be kept to a minimum.

The playground enhancement project was granted €95,000 this year under the Community Recognition Fund (CRF). The upgrade will include a range of new play equipment and renovation of existing facilities.

The update was given to Cllr John King today by the council’s sport and leisure officer Anne Marie Maher, at the November meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick municipal district council.

The town’s Gort na nÓg playground, located at St Fergal's College, includes a multi-use games area (MUGA) with a silver slide and towers that is a huge attraction for children and young people.

Welcoming the imminent start, Cllr King pointed out that the playground was one of the largest in the county when it opened about 13 years ago, with an ideal location beside the secondary school and a popular walking track for all ages.

He said: “The winter months are the ideal time to do this work. I can safely say that the playground is used every day and the walking track is used every night.” 

Cathaoirleach Cllr Conor Bergin recalled that when the new playground in Borris-in-Ossory was being planned, the committee looked at Rathdowney playground as a model to follow. The Borris-in-Ossory playground was officially opened in June 2023.

Cllr Bergin said: “Rathdowney is a fine playground and it’s great to see work about to begin.”