The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
KILBAHA playground was officially opened last Sunday in Clare’s most westerly village. The playground, which cost €121,000, includes a telescope and binoculars and is accessible for people with disabilities. It is located on the seafront in Kilbaha.
Kilballyowen Development Ltd and the Playground Special Interest Group were granted planning permission last June to build a playground and an eight-space car park, including one disabled car space.
The playground incorporates a marine theme, which reflects an area surrounded by water and featuring stunning coastal scenery. Nearby Loop Head Lighthouse attracted thousands of visitors last summer and Kilbaha, Cross and Carrigaholt have a good population of young children, with local schools and playschools totalling approximately 121 pupils in the 2011/2012 academic year.
The playground was financed by Clare County Council and Leader, along with local fundraising. A total of just €6,000 has to be fundraised to complete the cost of construction.
The playground committee was Phillip Doherty, Yvonne McNamara, Roisin Bonfil, Ina Krieger, Patricia Keane, Ailish Connolly and Janet Huahg, while the playground was built by Spraoi Linn, one of ten tenders for the project.
The annual cost of maintaining the facility will be approximately €1,500. It was officially opened by Ger Dollard, director of services with Clare County Council and Pat Breen TD.
