Castleplunkett turns flood-damaged courts into accessible community playground

A derelict and flood-damaged sports area in the heart of Castleplunkett village has been transformed into a new accessible playground and community space following a €250,000 investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The new facility was officially opened recently by Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary, who praised the local volunteers for taking the future of their village into their own hands.

“This community, instead of sitting back, instead of just leaving it for someone else to do, actually took it on themselves,” Minister Calleary said.

The project was driven by Castleplunkett Development Association after the former tennis and basketball courts on the site were left badly damaged by flooding in 2015. What had become an eyesore and an unsafe area has now been turned into a multi-purpose amenity for local families.

The development includes a playground, gazebo, picnic tables, climbing area and slides, with sensory-friendly and wheelchair-accessible features designed to make the space welcoming for all members of the community.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Calleary said the project reflected a community that was actively working to regenerate its village. He also said the experience of flooding showed the importance of understanding and respecting local biodiversity.

“Unless we understand our biodiversity, unless we go back to basics in terms of understanding nature, then I’m afraid we’re going to have a lot more floods,” he said. “Let’s respect it more and fill in the next generation about some of the traditions that were passed on to us.” 

Minister Calleary encouraged more people to get involved in local development association meetings, saying communities need extra help, ideas and energy to bring about change.

“Let’s go back to that age when we didn’t have fear,” he added.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Domnick Connolly said the people of Castleplunkett had “created a positive from a negative” by turning the old courts into a shared community resource.

“Thanks to your vision, the old basketball and tennis courts that previously occupied this site have been transformed into a multi-purpose community resort to be enjoyed by all the citizens of the area,” he said.

Shane Tiernan, chief executive of Roscommon County Council, said the project had completely transformed an area in the heart of the village.

“Together, these facilities have created a welcoming and accessible space for everyone in the community,” he said. “Community-led projects like this don’t happen without the commitment, persistence, and a lot of hard work behind the scenes.” 

Mr Tiernan said the dedication of volunteers had been central to the success of the development and encouraged locals to continue working closely with elected members.

Castleplunkett Development Association chairperson Siobhan Cryan, one of the driving forces behind the project, thanked those who supported the opening and said the development was the result of sustained community effort.

“It began with an idea and grew through the efforts of many people, and became a reality because the community came together with a shared vision,” she said.

“We stand together in this beautiful space, and we can all take great pride in what has been achieved.” She also acknowledged those who had paved the way before the current committee.

“It’s only right that we acknowledge the foresight and vision of those trustees, who first developed the site and laid the foundations for what we’re celebrating today,” she said.

Tributes were also paid throughout the day to the late Cllr Tony Waldron, who was remembered for his support for the project and his commitment to community development.

Mr Tiernan said Cllr Waldron had worked closely with Castleplunkett Development Association as members sought funding and pushed the project forward.

“He worked closely with the Castleplunkett Development Association, encouraging and supporting their efforts as they sought funding and pushed this project forward,” he said.

Ms Cryan said Cllr Waldron had believed in the development from the outset.

“Tony believed in this project with us from the very start, and he encouraged us to be ambitious while always remaining mindful of the heritage, history and character of our village,” she said.

The community now hopes the new playground and shared outdoor space will be enjoyed by families in Castleplunkett for generations to come.