PLAYGROUNDS
Since this page was written, BRL has started work on providing some of the planned 12 playgrounds. These playgrounds are being provided in Shangan, Coultry and in Sillogue.
There is a local perception in Sillogue that because the 0-5 year olds playground is beside the Nursery, the playground is the 'Nursery playground'. A good example of how getting the location wrong. The playground is in fact a PUBLIC playground.
Despite the problems with the playground strategy, it is a good thing to see the return of playgrounds. Well Done BRL.....but do take another look at the playground strategy.
(Hint #1: As well as asking children what equipment they like and where they like to play, ask them where they don't like to play).
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There are many children in Ballymun. In fact there are probably more children per acre of land in Ballymun than anywhere else in Europe. Yet in the 1970's and 1980's Dublin Corporation removed all the playgrounds due to the number of compensation claims being made at the time.
However it stands to reason that
there should be a large number of safe-surface playgrounds in Ballymun.
Not just play centres or adventure parks, which would charge admission fees,
but proper playgrounds with swings and slides and roundabouts. These should be safe for our children to play in and play on. Surfaces in these should be artificial - either rubberised or corked.
BRL has undertaken an extensive study of population in Ballymun so it knows how many children we have.
But BRL has not provided information on the number of playgrounds which will be needed. They are planning only 12 at present (see below).
BRL has not provided information on where even these 12 playgrounds will be put. We know of only one playground. It will be built in the new development off Santry Lane.
This is because BRL is producing the detailed plans for Ballymun in a piecemeal fashion.
All the detailed planning should have been done first. That way you could see how close you would be to your neighbours. You could also see exactly what is being planned for the community and see how the total plan WILL affect you
So BRL does not have detailed plans of playgrounds.
BEFORE
you decide on your new house, make sure you know where the playgounds will be.
You want to be able to check on your children when they are at play.
You want to know they are safe.
If playgrounds are too far away from your house, they can not be used by your children.
We want to ensure that your children can play safely - near your home.
34% of the population of Ballymun is under the age of 16. This is approximately 6400 people. The majority of these (about 4500) are under 12 years of age.
BUT
BRL plans to build
ONLY 12 PLAYGROUNDS
for the whole of Ballymun.
POPPINTREE PARK
Poppintree Park is a vital resource for the people of Ballymun and their children. As a place to play football, Gaelic, walk the dog or picnic in summer, it provides an important amenity.
The Park runs from Sandyhill Avenue down to the back of the Library.
The current plans for Poppintree Park are unreasonable.
While it is reasonable that some of the Park be given over to housing,
the loss of nearly half the Park is unacceptable,
especially when so much is being given to private developers.
The Park could be developed as a high quality amenity satisfying a variety of recreational needs.
The drainage on the pitches could be improved and playgrounds could be added. A sports centre or even artificial all-weather sports fields could be provided.
Either way BRL must find a better use for the Park than to crowd it with housing.
see Sports
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