Councillors call for safety audit and increased resources for Leitrim playgrounds

Councillors raised concerns about maintenance, accessibility and playground closures during a meeting of Leitrim County Council, with calls for a countywide safety audit and additional resources to maintain facilities.

Published 20th Jul 2026, 08:55 BST Updated 20th Jul 2026, 08:55 BST Playground facilities were discussed at last week’s meeting of Leitrim County Council, with councillors calling for greater investment in maintenance, safety and the reopening of closed sites. | stock photo Councillors raised concerns about maintenance, accessibility and playground closures during a meeting of Leitrim County Council, with calls for a countywide safety audit and additional resources to maintain facilities. Sign up to our Leitrim Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Leitrim Live within your account.

The need for properly resourced and safe playgrounds in Co. Leitrim was highlighted at last week’s meeting of the County Council .

Cllr Irene Guckian Rabbitte (Ind) tabled a motion, in which she asked for the Council to, “carry out a safety audit of all playgrounds in Co. Leitrim, provide adequate resources for the maintenance of said playgrounds and recommission playgrounds that are presently closed, e.g. Carrigallen .”

“Playgrounds are a very important amenity,” Cllr Guckian Rabbitte told the meeting.

She added that, “there has been a downturn in certain playgrounds. More resources and manpower are needed.”

Cllr Guckian Rabbitte went on to outline other issues in relation to playgrounds in the county.

“ Surfaces of playgrounds could be looked at and disabled access in the Drumshanbo playground needs to be looked at. On a positive note, it is good to hear that there is planning for playgrounds for teenagers,” she stated.

Cllr Gary Prior (FF) told the meeting that, “there are chains and padlocks on the playground in Ballinamore . There should be equipment in reserve for playgrounds. It comes down to funding.”

Cllr Sean McGowan (FF) echoed these sentiments. “Having spare equipment for playgrounds would be great,” he stated.

Cllr Brendan Barry (SF) said that it was, “disappointing to see playgrounds closed.”

However, he went on to acknowledge “the huge amount of playgrounds” in the county and “thank the Council for the work done.”

Cllr Justin Warnock (FF) outlined the improvements made to playgrounds in the North Leitrim area.

“There is a brand new playground in Tullaghan. In Kinlough , there is a space for teenagers,” he commented.

A written reply from the council stated, “the Council conducts weekly inspections of all council owned playgrounds. Any safety issues identified are recorded on an internal system and reviewed by the relevant Area Engineer.”

“An independent annual inspection is carried out for each playground by a qualified external contractor. A detailed written report is provided for every site.

“The reports include recommendations for any necessary remedial works. These findings are reviewed by the Area Engineers and required actions are prioritised accordingly,” the reply added.