THE locations of four new recreational spaces for teenagers which are due to be constructed across Ireland have been revealed.
The Government has allocated €400k in funding to create the new spaces, which will be specifically designed with teenagers in mind.
“The four projects will provide safe, attractive places for young people to meet friends, spend time outdoors and engage in unstructured play and recreation,” a government spokesperson confrimed this week as the funding was announced.
An artist’s impression of how the spaces might like (Pic: Gov.ie)“The projects include sheltered areas for all-weather use with comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and accessible design,” they added.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has confirmed that the spaces will be created in counties Longford, Mayo, Westmeath and Waterford, with each project receiving €100k in funding.
“I am delighted to announce four new teenage specific recreational spaces under the ‘Making Spaces for and with Teenagers Initiative’,” Minister Foley said.
“This will provide our young people with opportunities to meet and spent time together in a place they can call their own,” she added.
“There are innovative features such as music speakers, work-out equipment, football tables, table tennis tables, an in-ground trampoline suitable for wheelchairs and even designs suitable for parkour movements.”
The Minister explained: “Young people have played a key role in the development and evaluation of these recreational spaces.
“That is as it should be. It is wonderful to see this project grow and expand to more areas around Ireland.”
In Longford, the ESPACE project will be an inclusive and accessible outdoor space at the front of the Green in Edgeworthstown, Longford.
Key features will include sheltered areas for all-weather use, comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and accessible design.
Physical activity elements, such as low-impact exercise equipment, will also be included to support wellbeing.
In Westmeath, Teen Zone @ Athlone RSC Fitness Park will be a dedicated outdoor Space for teenagers, supporting both physical activity and mental wellbeing.
Teen Space in Carrickphierish Recreation Park in Waterford City will deliver the first dedicated Teenage Hangout Space in County Waterford.
In Mayo, Friary Grounds Teen Zone in Ballyhaunis will provide an area for teens to “congregate and shelter, the provision to play music, an opportunity to play table tennis, durable surfacing and passive lighting”.
Census figures show there are almost 500,000 children aged between 12-18 living in Ireland.
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