Views sought on Council's play plan

The Council, in partnership with Ilex, has produced a comprehensive audit of existing play provision which was presented and endorsed by Council earlier this year.

It now aims to continue to develop more exciting play opportunities over the next 10 years building on successful developments to date. Since 2006 some 5.5 million has been committed to play provision across the city and district.

John Kelpie, City Engineer with Derry City Council, said it is an important piece of work for the Council and Ilex. "The benefits of such a Play Plan will strategically enable Council to focus on new and enhanced provision in making the continued case to invest in play.

"As part of the planning process, it is important to engage with communities to obtain their involvement in shaping future plans. It is acknowledged, that there are areas of poor play across the district at a ward level, with some 7,687 children (27% 0-19 years) having no real fixed play provision," he said.

Aideen McGinley, Chief Executive of Ilex said: "The Play Plan will play an important role in establishing the nature and use of current provision and help feed into the Mark II Regeneration Plan.

"The benefits of such a Plan will enhance play provision, address health inequalities among children and encourage innovative and creative behaviour."

The Play Plan is available to view online via Derry City Council's website at www.derrycity.gov.uk/playplan.

Derry City Council welcomes written feedback from interested parties. The closing date for comments November 30, 2010.