Call for upgrade to Drumshanbo playground

Cllr Brendan Barry requested that Ballinamore Municipal District carry out upgrades and enhancements to the playground in Dristernan, Hilly Road, Drumshanbo for the many children who live in the area.
He said: "There are two swings there for very small children and I wonder if one of them could be changed for older children.”
A report by the Finance Department said that due to weekly inspection of Dristernan Playground, it has been highlighted that a number of items/equipment need upgrading.
The upgrade works are required on playground equipment (swings, slides, etc), soft pour surfacing and entry and exit to the playground and there is external funding from CLAR which can be applied for, to carry out these works.
District engineer, Darragh O'Boyle, said the council have a “very small budget” for playgrounds “and within that budget, we have to maintain the 20 odd playgrounds.”
He noted that to replace equipment, capital expenditure is needed and “that is done through community or CLAR” and said that a climbing unit can cost up to €50,000.
He said he could look into replacing the swing, however.