Ballincollig West Village Playground Set for Year-End Restoration

Cork City Council expects to complete the restoration of Ballincollig's West Village playground by December, following the successful securing of €83,740 in government funding.

The playground has been without equipment since late 2023, leaving local families without this vital community amenity. However, Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch's persistent efforts over nearly two years are finally bearing fruit.

The Department of Rural and Community Development approved the funding in February through the Community Recognition Fund, which Lynch had recommended Cork City Council apply for following his election in June 2024.

Cllr. Lynch said:

"Since the equipment was removed from the playground in Ballincollig's West Village in late 2023, I have been working hard to have the playground restored."

The councillor, who represents Cork City's South West ward, explained his approach: "Upon my election to Cork City Council in June of last year, I recommended to the Council's Community Section to apply for funding to do this from the Community Recognition Fund, which was finally awarded in February of this year."

Cork City Council management has confirmed that tenders for the project are currently under consideration. The timeline represents welcome news for Ballincollig families who have been without the facility for nearly two years.

Cllr. Lynch added:

"Having engaged with Council management on the project over recent months, I am very happy to share the news that tenders for the project are now being considered and Council management expect the project will be completed by the end of the year."

The restoration will provide much-needed recreational facilities for children in the West Village area of Ballincollig, one of Cork's fastest-growing suburbs.

Cllr. Lynch concluded:

"This is great news for the children and parents of Ballincollig, as well as the wider community."