Severe lack of play facilities available in Strabane

DRAFT findings of a new  review into local play park facilities has shown that the Derg DEA has some of the worst amenities in the whole district council area.

Initiated by Derry City and Strabane District Council alongside Play Board NI, the audit of local play parks has nonetheless been described as “positive,” as it recognises that almost every play facility in the locality requires an upgrade or replacement.

However of the 14 play areas in the Derg DEA a total of nine are described as offering “low play value,’ whilst other areas have no facilities at all.

The outcome of the review was presented to councillors at a virtual meeting on Thursday.

“The findings and recommendations were positive, with a recognition that practically every play park in the area was either in need of an upgrade, replacement or extension,” Strabane independent councillor, Raymond Barr explained. “Plus the fact that areas like the Derry Road, Glenside, Tulacorr and Summerhill Park and Castletown are in need of a play area, as none are currently in existence.”

Cllr Barr pinpointed Courtrai Park as one area which is full of potential.

“There is real potential here to do something good there,” he continued. “There is a big green space here and it could be turned into something really good. There could even be something here to accommodate elderly people.

“A master plan to upgrade Lisnafin Park is in the pipeline with work to begin in early 2021, while a new play area is being considered for the new development at the Adria site and the possibility of relocating the Carlton Drive park to a bigger location in the same area.

“The play park issue is one which needs addressed and I feel confident it will be in the near future…”

Commenting on the Derg DEA’s lack of suitable facilities, Cllr Steven Edwards stated, “The Derg has the worst facilities of all DEAs and this has been acknowledged by council and Play Board NI.

“I put the case for all upgrades to existing play parks across the DEA – The Glebe, Clady, Sion Mills, Spamount, Victoria Bridge, Newtownstewart, Spamount, Killeter, Castlederg and Killen.

“I also highlighted a massive shortcoming in the wider Castletown area where residents have no play park facilities at all.

“While I’m glad that plans are progressing for the area, but this needs to be followed by  investment. The people of the DEA pay their rates like everyone else and shouldn’t be subjected to substandard provision.”

A spokesperson for council said an update will  be provided on members’ engagement and  feedback at January’s Environment and  Regeneration  Committee followed by a presentation to the committee by Play Board NI on the draft Play Plan which, subject to members’ approval, will go out to wider community/stakeholder engagement.”