Minister Calleary opens Sunflower Playground in Longford Town and revitalised Granard sports courts

Almost €500,000 investment creates inclusive play spaces and revitalises community sporting facilities

Press Release: Monday, 21 July 2025 

The Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary officially opened the pioneering special needs Sunflower playground in Longford Town and the newly refurbished tennis and basketball courts at Higginstown Sports Complex in Granard last week.

The special needs accessible playground represents a transformative €379,170 investment from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with an additional €42,130 from Longford County Council. This groundbreaking facility located at Park Road, Longford Town addresses the urgent need for inclusive play spaces in County Longford, where approximately 850 autistic children and nearly 750 children registered under disability services previously had no adequately equipped playground.

The project emerged from a 2022 approach by Longford Special Needs Parents Group, supported by Longford Childcare Committee, Youth Reach, Teach Solas Centre for People with Disabilities, Airc Midlands, and numerous elected members.

This funding allowed the completion of the second phase of the development of the recreationally zoned site. (formerly the Greyhound Stadium site at Park Road, Longford Town) which includes the special needs Sunflower playground as well as a shared pathway connection to the Royal Canal Greenway. The newly established connection now accommodates additional tree planting and increased open space provision, with future landscaping and pollinator friendly interventions scheduled within the next planting season.

Speaking about the new special needs accessible Sunflower playground Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary said, “This playground has been designed with care and attention, to welcome all children. It meets a gap in the services available in Longford by providing a safe inclusive playground for children with special and complex needs.

“The delivery of this wonderful project builds on the success of the adjacent skate park that has already been completed as part of the redevelopment of the old greyhound track into an active and vibrant space to enjoy. I am delighted that my department was able to provide the funding to bring these projects to fruition and I look forward to working with Longford County Council on any future projects they may have.

“Today is a celebration of inclusivity, community and the children that inspire us to do better and I hope that this playground brings joy to all who come to spend time in it.”

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said: "Today marks a watershed moment for our community. This special needs playground in Longford Town transcends traditional play spaces – it's a beacon of our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Every child deserves the fundamental right to play safely and joyfully. The refurbishment of Granard's sporting facilities also further demonstrates our dedication to creating vibrant community spaces where all ages can flourish. These projects collectively strengthen the fabric of our county, proving that when we invest in accessibility and recreation, we invest in our shared future." Cllr Murtagh also paid tribute to the Cathaoirleach of the Granard area, Cllr Turlough McGovern for his work in the area and noted that the sports courts were connected to the town with a looped walkway which was a fantastic amenity for the local community.

Five members of the local community, Kathleen Sheridan, Eileen Lee, Kathleen Lee, Catherine Sheridan and Marie Scanlon were praised for their pioneering vision and ambition in helping to develop the sports courts in Higginstown.

The Granard tennis and basketball courts received €45,449.20 through the CLÁR programme, matched by €27,519.95 from Longford County Council. The comprehensive refurbishment includes new fencing, pedestrian gates, tarmac surfacing, tennis nets, basketball nets, and court relining, breathing new life into the complex that houses Granard GAA, Archery Club, playgrounds, and serves as the starting point for the 2.1km Granard Greenway.

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said: "These twin openings showcase our council's commitment to creating spaces where every resident can thrive. The special needs playground breaks down barriers that have excluded too many children from the simple joy of play, whilst the Granard courts restoration ensures sporting opportunities remain accessible to all. Both projects exemplify how strategic investment in community infrastructure creates ripple effects – fostering social cohesion, promoting wellbeing, and building stronger neighbourhoods."

The special needs playground project aligns with Policy Measure No. 35 of 'Our Rural Future' (2021-2025), supporting the National Outdoor Recreational Strategy's commitment to accessible leisure facilities for all ages and abilities.

Longford County Council acknowledges the exceptional work of Richard Smith (LCC Architect), Paddy Diffley (LCC Engineer), Browne Brothers (Contractors), AA Agri (Sub Contractors) in relation to the special needs playground in Longford Town and David Barden (LCC Admin Officer), Gerry Shaughnessy (LCC Engineer) and KT Civil Engineering Ltd in relation to the Higginstown complex in Granard.