New community playground for Inishturk

THE proposed community playground on Inishturk island has been approved for going to tender.

The site of the playground is adjacent to the crossroads known locally on the island as the green – just up the road from the health centre and adjoining an existing small picnic site.

The site was chosen following extensive consultation and emerged as the preferred location.

Welcoming the approval to go for tender, Deputy Alan Dillon said: “Increasing the infrastructure and accessibility for our island communities in Mayo is always welcome news.

“It is great to see further investment in the infrastructure on Inishturk, especially when it benefits both residents and visitors with young children. In addition, the tender is likely to require that the playground will be inclusive to children of all abilities, including wheelchair users. It is expected to include equipment such as a cableway/cable rider, swings, slides and roundabouts.”

Deputy Dillon has also been liaising between Mayo County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development about urgently upgrading the helipad on Inishturk and seeking that works commence before the winter season.

He commented: “We have amazing potential for our island communities following other funding announcements earlier this year and I know Minister Humphreys is very keen to secure additional funding allocations over the coming months.”