Accessibility to the fore of new play policy

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The issue of the accessibility of play facilities in Offaly to all users was brought to the fore at a recent meeting of Offaly County Council, discussing the county's draft play policy.

Cllr Sean O'Brien led the discussion, presenting members with a draft policy for the years 2026-2028, which extends from a review of the Playground Strategy 2022.

The policy was formed in a meeting with the Community, Culture and Emergency Services Policy Strategic Policy Committee, and aims to establish a framework for the management and maintenance of existing play facilities and for the provision of future play facilities in the county.

It covers Offaly County Council managed and owned and community-managed playgrounds, multi-use game areas (MUGAs), skate parks, and outdoor exercise areas.

The Playground Strategy 2022 was established based on the findings of the 2022 Census, which showed there were 17,167 children aged 15 and under in Offaly.

The updated Play Policy 2026-2028 incorporates the 'Not Around Us' no smoking or vaping initiative, planning considerations for facilities in new housing developments, the need for appropriate signage, and takes into consideration principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability of the materials used in the play areas.

Among the proposals for inclusivity is the introduction of communication boards at all play facilities.

"This is a visual tool designed to help children express themselves using symbols, pictures, or words," the draft policy read.

"It is a way to make play more inclusive, especially for children and young people who are non-verbal, have speech or language difficulties, or use alternative forms of communication."

Currently, there are a total of 23 Offaly County Council managed or maintained play facilities, and 16 community managed facilities.

Under the new Play Policy, Offaly County Council has outlined a number of its responsibilities in supporting community-managed play facilities across the county.

These include assisting community groups with funding applications, providing public liability insurance cover for eligible playground committees, and leasing land to community groups where appropriate.

The council will fund and arrange annual independent and quarterly inspections of community-managed play facilities covered by the policy, as well as provide training for members of community play facility committees on inspection requirements.

Playgrounds managed by Offaly County Council and community groups with a Playground Licence Agreement are covered by the council’s public liability insurance, provided the required conditions are met.

The policy requires weekly inspections of all facilities, with community groups responsible for inspections at community-run playgrounds. The council will arrange quarterly detailed inspections and annual independent inspections for all facilities.

Any dangerous or defective equipment must be immediately removed or secured until it is repaired or replaced. The council can also close a playground where a safety risk is identified.

Community groups managing playgrounds in Offaly will take on a range of responsibilities under the new play policy.

Groups will be required to carry out weekly safety inspections, address hazards immediately, keep facilities clean and maintain appropriate insurance. They will also be responsible for funding the ongoing management and maintenance of their facilities.

The policy also sets out criteria for new community play facilities, including local youth numbers, proximity to existing facilities, planning and safety considerations, and the ability of the community to fund and manage the facility.

Community groups may apply for available funding schemes including LEADER, CLÁR, the Local Enhancement Programme and Municipal District Community Grants. The council said funding remains an ongoing issue and implementation of the policy will depend on current and future funding availability.

There was an extended discussion in the chamber following the presentation of the policy, with calls by councillors for the use of more sustainable products on the ground surface of play facilities.

The draft policy stated "a requirement for all new play facilities, and replacement for existing facilities will be to use alternative surfaces (gravel/grass/mulch), and to prioritise green surfaces/replace plastic with sustainable materials. Offaly County Council, Community and Culture Section, will advise on alternative sustainable materials."

Fianna Fáil councillor Claire Murray-Smale and Sinn Fein councillor Aoife Masterson were among those who raised the issue of playgrounds being made inaccessible for those in wheelchairs by such materials.

"We must make provision for wet pour," said Cllr Murray. "Even rubber mats are not a solution, they don't last."

Cllr Masterson also raised questions around the pressures being put on volunteers to maintain these facilities, asking that the council offer support for committees who may not have the ability to carry out weekly checks.

"Is it possible to designate a member of council staff to carry out these checks?" she queried, adding that parents whose children have grown up often move on from committees, and as such numbers can fluctuate.

A number of amendments were suggested by members before the adoption of the policy.

The Community and Culture Section will maintain Play Facility information and mapping on Offaly County Council's website www.offaly.ie