'Wonderful project': Longford inclusive playground and sports courts are open

A pioneering special needs Sunflower playground in Longford Town and the newly refurbished tennis and basketball courts at Higginstown Sports Complex in Granard were officially opened by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary last week.

The special needs accessible playground represents a transformative €379,170 investment from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with an additional €42,130 from Longford County Council.

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This groundbreaking facility located at Park Road, Longford Town addresses the urgent need for inclusive play spaces in County Longford, where approximately 850 autistic children and nearly 750 children registered under disability services previously had no adequately equipped playground.

The project emerged from a 2022 approach by Longford Special Needs Parents Group, supported by Longford Childcare Committee, Youth Reach, Teach Solas Centre for People with Disabilities, Airc Midlands, and numerous elected members.

This funding allowed the completion of the second phase of the development of the recreationally zoned site. (formerly the Greyhound Stadium site at Park Road, Longford Town) which includes the special needs Sunflower playground as well as a shared pathway connection to the Royal Canal Greenway.

The newly established connection now accommodates additional tree planting and increased open space provision, with future landscaping and pollinator friendly interventions scheduled within the next planting season.

Minister Calleary said the special needs accessible Sunflower playground 'has been designed with care and attention, to welcome all children'.

"It meets a gap in the services available in Longford by providing a safe inclusive playground for children with special and complex needs.

“The delivery of this wonderful project builds on the success of the adjacent skate park that has already been completed as part of the redevelopment of the old greyhound track into an active and vibrant space to enjoy."

Minister Calleary described it as celebration of inclusivity, community and the children that inspire us to do better and he hoped "that this playground brings joy to all who come to spend time in it".

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, described the opening as a "watershed moment" for the community.

"This special needs playground in Longford Town transcends traditional play spaces – it's a beacon of our unwavering commitment to inclusivity.

"Every child deserves the fundamental right to play safely and joyfully. "

Higginstown sports courts

Five members of the local community, Kathleen Sheridan, Eileen Lee, Kathleen Lee, Catherine Sheridan and Marie Scanlon were praised for their pioneering vision and ambition in helping to develop the sports courts in Higginstown.

Cllr Murtagh said the refurbishment of Granard's sporting facilities also further demonstrates our dedication to creating vibrant community spaces where all ages can flourish.

"These projects collectively strengthen the fabric of our county, proving that when we invest in accessibility and recreation, we invest in our shared future."

Cllr Murtagh also paid tribute to the Cathaoirleach of the Granard area, Cllr Turlough McGovern for his work in the area and noted that the sports courts were connected to the town with a looped walkway which was a fantastic amenity for the local community.

The Granard tennis and basketball courts received €45,449.20 through the CLÁR programme, matched by €27,519.95 from Longford County Council.

The comprehensive refurbishment includes new fencing, pedestrian gates, tarmac surfacing, tennis nets, basketball nets, and court relining, breathing new life into the complex that houses Granard GAA, Archery Club, playgrounds, and serves as the starting point for the 2.1km Granard Greenway.

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said the twin openings showcased the council's commitment to creating spaces where every resident can thrive.

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"The special needs playground breaks down barriers that have excluded too many children from the simple joy of play, whilst the Granard courts restoration ensures sporting opportunities remain accessible to all. Both projects exemplify how strategic investment in community infrastructure creates ripple effects – fostering social cohesion, promoting wellbeing, and building stronger neighbourhoods."

Longford County Council acknowledged the 'exceptional work' of Richard Smith (LCC Architect), Paddy Diffley (LCC Engineer), Browne Brothers (Contractors), AA Agri (Sub Contractors) in relation to the special needs playground in Longford Town and David Barden (LCC Admin Officer), Gerry Shaughnessy (LCC Engineer) and KT Civil Engineering Ltd in relation to the Higginstown complex in Granard.