Contracts signed for Moneygall's €200k activity park

After twelve months in the planning, developer contracts for Moneygall's €200,000 activity park were signed earlier this week. Speaking to the Offaly Independent Moneygall Development Association member and Offaly County Council cathaoirleach Peter Ormond said it's hoped the children's playground that will also offer exercise facilities for adults will be open to the public by next Easter. Offaly County Council provided the land for the activity park, with a 20-year-lease signed by Moneygall Development Association earlier this year. Planning permission for the venture that will be situated in the middle of Moneygall was also given the green light earlier this year, leaving the way forward clear. Last Monday night contracts were signed with Tipperary company Cavanagh Playground Equipment in Ollie Hayes' bar in Moneygall. Cllr Ormond said work will begin on February 1 next, weather permitting, and will be completed some ten weeks later. He added that there was a "great sense of pride" at last Monday's contract signing, after weekly meetings over the past year to bring the project forward. "It brought a reality to it," he added. Three quarters of the activity park's €200,000 cost has been grant-aided by Offaly Local Development Company. The remaining €50,000 has to be raised by Moneygall Development Association. Fundraising is currently going well, Cllr Ormond said, but efforts are being upped with the launch of a year long draw with €13,000 in prizes in Ollie Hayes' bar next Friday, December 21 at 9.30pm. Tickets for the year-long draw will cost €100, with €1,000 up for grabs each month and an additional €1,000 in bonus prizes.