Healthy and active neighbourhoods promoted with launch of Playful Communities 2026
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan with Sinéad Breathnach, Head of Waterford City and County Council’s Community and Sports Department and Breda Brennan Chairperson of Sacred Heart Family resource centre at the launch of Playful Communities initiative for 2026. Photo: Kieran Rafter
The Playful Communities initiative for 2026 has been officially launched.
The Playful Communities initiative supports children and adults to safely play outdoors, and resident groups and support agencies are invited to apply to participate.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan officially launched the initiative at Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre and spoke of his experience attending several Playful Communities events throughout 2025.
“Having seen first-hand the impact of the Playful Communities initiative at events across the city and county, it is clear that this exceptional programme fosters stronger connections among residents and highlights the vital, intergenerational role of play and social interaction within our communities.
“Following its success in 2025, I am hopeful that even more communities throughout Waterford will have the opportunity to participate this year.”
Sinéad Breathnach, Head of Waterford City and County Council’s Community and Sports Department, highlighted the value of the Playful Neighbourhoods and Communities approach.
She emphasised that, in the context of 2026 priorities, the initiative delivers measurable social, health and wellbeing outcomes.
Building on last year’s success, several Playful Neighbourhoods and Communities initiatives will be delivered across Waterford City and County between May and September 2026.
