Roche Opens Skateboard Park in Greystones

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Roche Opens Skateboard Park in Greystones

Monday, April 23 2007

Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government today (21 April 2007) officially opened a new skateboard park at Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Roche said he was particularly pleased to provide funding towards the development of the facility and that he hoped it will provide many hours of entertainment for the young people of Greystones and beyond.

He paid tribute to the skateboarders and BMX riders who have been campaigning for a skateboard facility in Greystones for a number of years. "The young people involved have shown a willingness to engage in local politics, collective movement and active citizenship in order to achieve their aims. I am pleased that their determination and perseverance has paid off and I and I want to congratulate them here today for their efforts" the Minister said.

He also commended Wicklow County Council, the many schools, local organisations and individuals for their support and enthusiasm for the project. "It is an excellent example of co-operation between the community and its local authority. I hope that many other communities and their local authorities will 'get their skates on' and follow your dynamic example of inclusiveness" he said.

Minister Roche stated that he has allocated over €2 million in grant aid for the development of 21 skateboard facilities in 21 different local authority areas. In tandem with the skateboard facilities grant scheme, his Department has allocated over €8 million in grant aid also to each City and County Council, including Wicklow County Council, for the provision of playground facilities. "I am delighted that I have been able to provide such substantial and unprecedented financial assistance for the provision of playgrounds and skateboard facilities at a time when we are encouraging children and teenagers to become more active in healthy outdoor pursuits" he said.

Local authorities may provide funding from their own resources for the provision of playgrounds and skateboard facilities and the Minister urged each of them to do so. "I hope to see many more of these facilities being put in place by local authorities throughout the country which, I am convinced, will make a real difference to the future well-being and development of our children and young adults" he said.

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