The Politics of Childsplay and moot points

The Green in Delvin could soon have a new name or at least a new purpose. Westmeath County Council have this week confirmed that in just over a month and a half the new playground will be in place for the children of Delvin.At the Coole Area meeting on Friday last, Fine Gael Councillor Frank McDermott suggested to the executive that local residents had concerns that the playground may, potentially attract anti-social behaviour into the area. He suggested instead the new site at Ballyhealy, outside the village, where the new proposed Delvin Sports and Leisure facility is to be built and where some of the new Coole Area Councillors attended a sod turning ceremony on Thursday night.'The playground could be out at that park with a similar walkway route around the pitches as enjoyed by many people at clubs like Ringtown,' Cllr McDermott told the Coole Area Committee.The idea of placing the playground 2km outside of the town was rejected by the new Coole area Chairman Cllr Paddy Hill, who described the playground as a small one for small children. 'It is to be put in the town centre, a small playground where parents can sit and watch their children play,' said Cllr Hill.Director of Services George Lambden moved to clarify the playground situation for the Coole committee, explaining that the site had already been approved by the members previously.'This playground is ready to go and contractors approved. If we move immediately the playground could be in in six/seven weeks time,' explained Mr Lambden.Mr Lambden also told Cllr McDermott that the possibility of a second playground at the BallyHealy site could be visited in the coming years as grants become available.