Kilkenny playground project nominated for national excellence award

A playground and multi-use games area in Gowran has earned Kilkenny County Council a nomination in this year’s Local Government Awards.

Revealed this week, the nominations reflect the dedication and innovation taking place at local government, across the country. One of the nominated counties will be named Local Authority of the Year, at the awards ceremony in November.

Now in its 21st year, the awards feature a total of 98 Local Authority projects shortlisted across 15 categories, including Age Friendly Initiatives, Climate Change and Urban Revival.

The awards also highlight achievements in Innovation, the Heritage and Built Environment and the promotion of Economic Development.
Kilkenny County Council has been nominated in the Diversity and Inclusion category.

Kilkenny County Council caught the eye of the judges with a project in Gowran - the multi-use games area and playground.
The Kilkenny local authority supported the local community in the project, which came to fruition earlier this year.

Gowran On The Move, a local group, promoted the project, with the aim of developing a community facility that will have something for everyone in the town and surrounding areas to enjoy.
The committee described the hub as ‘a vibrant and safe, first-of-its-kind intergenerational facility’.

The recreation area includes a walking and running track, multi-use courts that can be used for tennis, basketball and football, as well as an inclusive playscape for all ages and abilities.

As well as encouraging physical activity, contributing to overall health and wellbeing in the community, the local group wanted to create a facility that prioritises safety and inclusivity, catering to people of all ages and abilities, that it will foster community engagement and strengthen social bonds by providing a space for people to gather, play, and connect.

Kilkenny County Council, along with Kilkenny Leader Partnership, a town and village renewal grant and other fundraising activities in the community funded the project in excess of €500,000.

“The Excellence in Local Government Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to highlight some of the incredible work being done in local authorities all across the country, and I am very pleased that my Department is supporting the event again this year,” said Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD.

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said the awards showcase the inventiveness and innovation that local authorities are delivering, which so often goes unnoticed.