Opening of new community playground in Turlough

THE new community playground at the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough has been officially opened today by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring,

The facility was approved for €50,000 in funding under the 2017 CLÁR Programme which is overseen by his department.

Minister Michael Ring stated: “By providing targeted investments such as this playground to rural towns, villages and outlying areas, the Department of Rural and Community Development is helping to improve people’s quality of life in Mayo and throughout rural Ireland.

“Playgrounds have been recognised as the way forward and Mayo County Council have embraced this concept here in Turlough, and in similar facilities around the county. Looking at it today, it’s no surprise to me that this playground has been put forward to the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland for a special award.

“In total, over 800 projects have now been approved for funding since the CLÁR scheme was re-launched in 2016. I was delighted to have been in a position to launch the CLÁR programme for 2018 in March this year with funding being made available to enhance safety measures and for play areas, together with a measure to support the needs of First Response organisations that provide essential, often lifesaving, services in their communities.

“There is great excitement in Turlough following on from yesterday’s momentous news that the €170 million N5 Turlough to Westport road has been approved by government.

“The opening of this playground rounds off what has been a great week for Turlough.”