Council-owned site identified for Kenagh playground in Co Longford

A councillor has said it is very positive that an agreement has been reached to utilise a vacant council-owned site in Kenagh village for a children's playground and he has also called for a 'broader community hub'.

Fianna Fáil's Sean Mimnagh submitted a motion to Longford County Council to secure an alternative site in the area for the amenity and last week he submitted an updated motion.

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The councillor said there are 120 children in the school and 1,000 people living in the village who would greatly benefit from having a much-needed playground, while a premises for adults is also needed.

Cllr Mimnagh, in his updated motion, stated that following ongoing engagement and collaboration with the relevant staff of the council, agreement has been reached to utilise a vacant council-owned site within the village.

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"This site has the potential to serve not only as a location for a much-needed playground, but also for the development of a men's women's shed and a broader Community Hub - offering inclusive facilities that will benefit residents of all ages in Kenagh.

"I am calling on Longford Co Council to progress this project without delay.

“I reaffirm my full commitment to assisting in any way necessary to ensure this initiative moves forward swiftly and successfully," he added.

The motion was supported by local Cllr Pat O'Toole. Cllr Mimnagh stated the lease on the existing playground is due to expire in 2026.

"It's not going to be renewed and Kenagh is a very progressive village at the moment, there is a huge population and the population is now nearly as big as Lanesboro.

"I think it's a very positive proposal for Kenagh, to create a community hub in the centre of the village that will provide stuff for people all ages.

"The land is there and the will is there in the community to push it on.

"I got support from the senior engineer in regeneration Paul Newell are going to call out to Kenagh and engage with the community and see which group is going to take the lead on the project."