Getting into the swing of public liability cover
It has been revealed that playgrounds in County Limerick will be given free public liability cover.
The new scheme will allow playgrounds to receive a yearly maintenance grant of €500 under the terms of the plan, which was approved by Limerick County Council.
The community playgrounds assistance programme will see current and future playgrounds provided with protection under the council’s own public liability policy.
Childs play
The new format means that compensation claims could be reduced, because in return, playground owners and operators must carry out weekly inspections to make sure all equipment is in good order, so children do not suffer personal injury.
Under the terms of the new system, playground owners must enter into a written contract with the council to manage and maintain the premises and submit written records of weekly inspections.
Beginning in 2011, the council will provide yearly grants of €500 to cover costs associated with maintaining playground equipment.
Cllr Kevin Sheahan noted that whilst €500 was “not an awful lot” for an annual grant, it would still be positive to communities, adding that it was vital that community voluntary groups be invited to participate in the scheme.
The method will require that the owners of playgrounds organise for a minimum of two people to be trained and designated as inspectors, and that once a year an independent evaluation of each playground must be carried out by an assessor from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
The contract also stated that Limerick County Council can also enter the playground at any time and confiscate apparatus that it deems to be faulty and hazardous.
The scheme was approved at a meeting of Limerick County Council and was widely supported by councillors, who felt that the removal of the insurance load will encourage the building of new playgrounds in more communities across the region.
Sliding to cover
Other local councillors have showed their collaboration with the project. Cllr John Sheahan used an example of a playground in Glin as one which was “up and running” because of the campaign, and was “of extreme benefit to the local area of Loughill, Ballyhahill and Glin”.
Cllr Mike Donegan hoped that ancillary works, such as proper footpaths, pedestrian crossings and signage, would also be implemented near future playground developments to ensure children's safety.
Cllr Francis Foley stated that the Abbeyfeale playground “wouldn't be there” without the assistance of the county council.
And lastly, Cllr Brigid Teefy welcomed the public liability aspect of the policy, as paying for insurance was a significant concern for community groups.
Updated on 02/03/2010