Playspace group in Dunboyne aims for €22,000 in 2022

The Dunboyne Playspace Forum has launched a fundraising appeal for the redevelopment of the playground and skatepark in Dunboyne village.

To date they have secured €130,000 in various grants to go towards this project, but need more to create the amenity we want Dunboyne to have.

The GoFundMe page is for members of the community to make their donations and they are asking for households to donate a minimum of €22.

“If 1,000 households in the community donated that amount, we would hit our target of raising €22,000 in '22!,” according to the page.

Plans are in train for a major transformation of the Dunboyne Playground and Skatepark later this year, with new equipment, which will cater for toddlers up to teenagers.

The proposals by the Dunboyne Playspace Forum will include a new teen zone, where teenagers can get together. This will include equipment such as hanging bars and other exercise facilities, as well as “sociable swings” that face each other.

“Following a number of conversations last year about the playground, it was clear the existing playground wasn't fit for purpose,” says Cllr Maria Murphy.

“One end of the skatepark had been removed after an attempt had been made to burn it.”

She explains the Dunboyne Playspace Forum was formed to actively work on the issue.

“We developed a survey to gather views from a wider body of parents which was launched in May 2021.

Cllr Murphy explains that they applied for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021 via Meath County Council and the project was recently awarded €100,000.

“At the moment we have a total of €130,000 but we have commenced fundraising as we have ambitious plans to provide a playspace from the pre school age to teens.

She said she hoped the project can go to tender in July with the contractor being appointed in September.

“All things going to plan the works should commence in October with a completion time of four to six weeks.”