Louth County Council unveiled the newly refurbished Carlingford playground, which was launched by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D at a ribbon cutting ceremony in the village on November 15th 2023.
The new look park, which has been fitted with a range of modern play equipment, was one of a number of initiatives in the village highlighted by the Minister during her visit.
A project to repair a section of the boundary wall around Carlingford Heritage Centre, and the refurbishment of public conveniences were also acknowledged at the event.
Minister Humphreys also had the opportunity to view the new fleet of solar powered bins installed in the village.
Louth County Council in partnership with Carlingford Tidy Towns were successfully awarded funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021 to refurbish and redesign the playground.
Situated on the village green area adjacent to the waterfront, the playpark has been a huge attraction for families. However, the equipment needed replacement and modernisation.
The park now features a range of exciting multi-play equipment that will provide an activity hotspot and maximise the number of play features in a space-saving design.
Louth County Council have overseen the installation of a range of exciting new equipment including: A marine themed large sailing ship incorporating multi-play activity centres in multiple positions on board the ship; a lion sit-on spring rocker; an inclusive two-person spring activity unit; a ‘fish’ spring rocker play device; a rowing boat themed play unit; and a small play ship centre.
The project also included the complete replacement of colourful rubber safety flooring with surfacing that ensures ‘soft falls’ when slips, trips or falls occur.
The refurbishment of the park aims to inspire imaginative play and adventure, and encourage exercise and activity for the young. In addition the new features will appeal to children of all ages, and their families, with the potential benefits to residents, businesses and the tourist market, particularly family day-trippers, providing a significant economic boost to the village.
Other initiatives which have helped transform Carlingford include a project to restore the boundary wall around the heritage centre and the refurbishment of the public conveniences.
Louth County Council in partnership with Ballymascanlon Union Select Vestry were successfully awarded funding under the Town Village Renewal Scheme 2020 to repair a section of the boundary wall around the Carlingford Heritage Centre and to refurbish the public conveniences.
The Carlingford Heritage Centre (formerly the Holy Trinity Church) boundary wall section was in need of significant repairs.
The church was founded in the 1660’s and the graveyard is a site of historical and archaeological importance. This wall is part of the medieval town defences and so considered to be a national monument and an important part of the local built heritage
The works, which were led by the Ballymascanlon & Rathcor Community Group, were overseen by the National Monuments Service in order to ensure compliance in protecting the archaeological heritage.
The repair of the wall has opened the street to locals and tourists once again and has also improved the appearance of Carlingford as a tourist destination.
Louth County Council led the second element of the project, the repair and refurbishment of the public toilets at the main green area in Carlingford. They are located near to the Tourist Office and playground.
Carlingford welcomes a large number of visitors throughout the year but particularly during the summer months. This new facility has greatly enhanced the village green and surrounding area.
Speaking at the launch of Carlingford playground, Louth County Council’s Director of Services, Placemaking and Physical Development, David Jones, said:
“I am delighted to acknowledge all of those involved who have brought the various projects that we are celebrating to completion – all important projects in their own right and collectively make such a positive contribution to the life of the local community, as well as to those many visitors to Carlingford. It is a great reminder what can be achieved through a collaborative approach, with local community groups and Louth County Council working in tandem to avail of national funding streams for local benefit.”
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