Alternative site may be needed for Waterford playground promised three years ago
Faith Tutty and Edna O'Sullivan from Autism Friendly Dungarvan spoke at a recent meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore district council. Photo: Libby Marchant
Autism Friendly Dungarvan were invited by Councillor Thomas Phelan to speak at a recent meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council. They revealed that despite plans to build a new sensory playground, they have received no updates from Waterford City and County Council in over 48 weeks.
In May 2023, the group was awarded €45,000 worth of sensory equipment through the community recognition fund, which they say was “unfortunately installed in a busy playground”.
In her presentation, Chair of Autism Friendly Dungarvan, Faith Tutty, explained that for some children with autism, a busy playground is not an option for them. Therefore, the group proposed a new 'Sensory Play Space'.
The inclusive play space was proposed in May 2025 and the group say they received a commitment of funding from Dungarvan Lions Club and the Tomar Trust but those funds have now expired due to no progress.
The group say they have requested meetings with Waterford City and County Council on a number of occasions but did not receive a reply.
Autism Friendly Dungarvan called WCCC to “strengthen clear and consistent communication” and include “regular updates on relevant projects and initiatives”.
They are asking WCCC to “provide an update and indicative timeline for the sensory play space project, which is currently now over 48 weeks without a decision on the part 8 planning procedure”.
Faith ended with her presentation by saying the group would “love some accountability and some progress”.
All of the councillors expressed their admiration for the volunteer organisation and their frustration at WCCC’s delays in moving forward with the project.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Niamh O’Donovan said, “We can absolutely improve our communication.”
Cllr Tom Cronin said, “I’m very disappointed with what happened with the site at Abbeyside.”
Cllr Cronin said that at a recent meeting with the manager of WCCC, he raised the issue of the playground.
He continued, “It looks like there is no site available at this moment,” and added that three years with no progress was “shameful”.
Director of Services Ivan Grimes said the presentation “raised a number of issues” and that an alternative site for the playground may be required.
