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Conor Haughey, Assistant Director, Healthy Living, NMDDC; Gerard McKeever, NMDDC Outdoor Leisure Officer; Cllr Aidan Mallon; NMDDC Vice Chairperson Cllr Geraldine Kearns, Andrew Patterson, Director of Active and Healthy Communities and Declan Crilly, Head of Outdoor Leisure, at the recently refurbished playpark in Derrybeg, Newry.
Conor Haughey, Assistant Director, Healthy Living, NMDDC; Gerard McKeever, NMDDC Outdoor Leisure Officer; Cllr Aidan Mallon; NMDDC Vice Chairperson Cllr Geraldine Kearns, Andrew Patterson, Director of Active and Healthy Communities and Declan Crilly, Head of Outdoor Leisure, at the recently refurbished playpark in Derrybeg, Newry.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has completed the latest phase of play park upgrades across the district as part of its Play Strategy 2024–2029. The works include improvements at several sites, with Derrybeg among those to benefit.

Ava Boyle (6), Daisy O’Neill (6) and Sadie O’Neill (9) enjoying the new play features at Rathview Play Park.
Ava Boyle (6), Daisy O’Neill (6) and Sadie O’Neill (9) enjoying the new play features
at Rathview Play Park.

The most recent phase has seen upgraded facilities delivered at Derrybeg, Bishop's Court in Ballyhornan and Ardross and Rathview in Crossmaglen. The works form part of a wider council commitment to upgrade 16 play parks across the district, with a number of sites already completed in earlier phases of the programme, including Conway Park in Mullaghbawn, Village Green in Belleeks, Granite View in Saval, Scrogg Road in Kilkeel and Seaview in Ardglass.

Each of the upgraded sites has been developed as a barrier-free and inclusive environment, with modern play equipment designed to support physical activity, creativity and social interaction, enabling children of all abilities to enjoy shared outdoor spaces.

Opening the Ardross Playpark are Slieve Gullion Councillors Mickey Larkin, Pete Byrne and Martin Hearty.
Opening the Ardross Playpark are Slieve Gullion Councillors Mickey Larkin, Pete
Byrne and Martin Hearty.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said, "We are delighted to see these upgraded play parks now open to the public. This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to improving facilities that support the health and wellbeing of residents across our district."

Councillor Campbell added, "By working closely with local communities, we have delivered high-quality, accessible play spaces that meet local needs and will provide long-lasting benefits for families for years to come."

The Play Strategy 2024–2029 recognises the importance of play in children's development, covering physical, social and emotional wellbeing alongside opportunities for enjoyment and creativity. Improvements across the programme are targeted based on identified need, accessibility and play value.

Further investment in play facilities across Newry, Mourne and Down is planned over the next two years.

Councillor Philip Campbell embracing the zip line at Kilkeel’s Scrogg Road Play Park.
Councillor Philip Campbell embracing the zip line at Kilkeel’s Scrogg Road Play Park.
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