Please select the Proposed Material Alteration on which you are commenting::
HSE CHO DNCC fully endorse the provision of children’s playing facilities that encompass local and public places and spaces for play that are accessible and inclusive for children and young people of all ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds and the provision of children’s playing facilities in new residential developments. The following should be considered in the provision of children’s play facilities:
- Creating more accessible age appropriate and disability appropriate recreation areas to cater for targeted ages and abilities such as skate parks, multi-use games areas, adaptable equipment, outdoor gym equipment, and early years playgrounds in areas based on community need.
- Supporting Interaction between young and old and across cultures: the creation of sustainable community spaces that facilitate intergenerational interaction, for example, by providing facilities for longer dwell times and a mix of active and contemplative public spaces. Activities that foster exchange, such as community gardening, can also help reduce isolation among the elderly and increase compassion and empathy among the young.
- Spending time together for longer: Development of areas that have facilities including places to rest and shelter, toilets, water fountains and food outlets (serving healthier food options) encourage the wider community to dwell and enjoy the space. Combining this provision with high-quality playable space encourages families to bring children outdoors and spend longer outdoors.
- Designing walking routes and pedestrian areas to encompass play, arts and community information with careful consideration for the design of routes to school.
- Making the roads safer in residential areas by enforcing a speed limit or through placement of ramps.
- Providing secure places to lock bikes and scooters beside playgrounds, libraries, shops and public areas.
- Consideration for open spaces to promote informal play and interaction include street art, climbable objects, play streets temporarily closed to traffic.
- Provision of local opportunities for the avoidance of drug/alcohol use and antisocial behaviour through the design and commissioning of novel and innovative solutions in partnership with stakeholders such as Foroige, CYPSC, LSP, community development organisations.
- Provision and promotion of smoke free outdoor policies and the policing of same to protect people and ecosystems.
- Provision of local opportunities for the avoidance of drug/alcohol use and antisocial behaviour through the design and commissioning of novel and innovative solutions in partnership with stakeholders such as Foroige, CYPSC, LSPs, community development organisations.