2 SWORDS GAZETTE 27 September 2012
COUNCIL: NO FUNDING TO REPLACE EQUIPMENT
PARALYMPICS Catherine Walsh’s London Games triumph
Children at risk over play area vandalism I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
THE health and safety of local children at play could be at risk, according to local Fine Fail councillor Darragh Butler, who says Fingal County Council do not have the funds to continually replace damaged items at local playgrounds. The comments come following the recent removal of a multi-use play item at Rathingle playground as a result of vandalism. The play area has been a target for vandals for the past two years, with the council being forced to remove items in the interest of safety. “It really is a problem, both in this playground and others. It’s disappointing because this was an excellent playground. It was put in there by the developers as part of their planning requirements but unfortunately, it has been plagued by vandalism,” Cllr Butler explained. While replacement swings are set to be erected in the playground over the coming weeks, Cllr Butler says it is “disappointing” that there is not enough money to replace all of the play items. “Unfortunately, the council cannot con-
tinually keep replacing things that are being vandalised. The money isn’t there for it any more. It’s a sad thing in society that people have nothing better to do than vandalise playgrounds, and it is incredibly dangerous,” he said. Accident
“The kids or their neighbours and friends could end up having an accident because someone has damaged a piece of equipment in the playground. They are putting the health and safety of children at risk by vandalising these things. In an ideal world, we would get everything replaced but it takes time and it takes money and money isn’t always available,” he said. A spokesperson for the council said the multi-use item, which was removed in recent weeks, was repeatedly vandalised over the last two years. More and more of the play items had to be removed to make it safe and the point was reached where it was no longer viable to retain this item. While funding is not available in this year’s budget to replace the piece of equipment, the council says provision will be made in next year’s budget to install a more robust version.
Catherine Walsh, left, from Swords, and pilot Francine Meehan, from Co Offaly, with their silver medals after finishing in second place in the women’s individual B pursuit final. Pictures: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
Swords cyclist is a true champion T HESE are the joyous scenes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games when Catherine Walsh, from Swords, and her cycling partner Fran Meehan, from Co Offaly, won silver medals in the para-cycling individual B pursuit final. They also collected a bronze medal in
the Women’s Individual Time B Time Trial. Catherine, who is visually impaired, has also experienced much success as a track and field athlete in five previous Paralympic Games. And she does all this while working as a healthcare professional and bringing up a young family!
STET gallery from Dundrum
Catherine Walsh celebrates with her son Conor Roode after Francine Meehan and Catherine Walsh with their proud mums
finishing third in the women’s individual B time trial
Catherine Walsh, Francine Meehan, Mark Rohan, James Brown, from England and
Catherine Walsh and Francine Meehan in action in
pilot Damien Shaw, from Co Westmeath with their medals
the women’s individual B time trial