Benches, playground, please

The provision of benches through the town was one of the key pieces of infrastructure on a 'wish list' developed from a survey of parents in Kilcullen.

While these were notionally required so that 'little feet can rest before tackling that hill', the parents themselves probably want to rest as well.

The provision of more bins, 'so that we have some help in teaching our children not to litter' was another item on the list.

And the obstacles when trying to negotiate some pavements in the town with a buggy or kids in tow was also highlighted. Dog poop, inconsiderate parking on the paths, and the fact that there are only two pedestrian crossings in the whole town are particular difficulties here, according to the survey, which was undertaken by the Carer & Toddler Group.

But more than any other thing, the need for a playground was one of the most pressing needs. "Every single parent, teenager and child we surveyed stated that this is the number one needed resource," Lynn B Worrall says. "We need it for our children's health, for their social skills, for our own sanity and our own social skills."

The survey reported how the 'long suffering' Community Playground Committee has been 'grafting' for five years now. "There has been obstacle after obstacle, promise after promise, and still we are waiting. It's unacceptable."

Anyone with an idea to help move the playground situation on is urged to get involved, initially by accessing the website kilcullenplaygroup.com.

Kildare County Council has allocated €200,000 to the project, but that is dependent on a sufficient level of collection of development levies owed to the Council. In the meantime, the project group is working to raise an €50,000 local contribution.

(UPDATE: See latest news on playground above.)