3035. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the funding scheme there may be to support the implementation of publicly accessible play amenities in local communities for older children and young adults with profound intellectual disabilities; if she plans to develop such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62319/26]

All Department funding schemes that support the development of public play and recreation amenities are required to be inclusive of children with a broad range of abilities and needs. There is no dedicated funding scheme for older children and young adults with profound intellectual disabilities. Local Authorities are encouraged to apply universal design principles and incorporate appropriate accessibility measures, including sensory environments, accessible equipment, quiet spaces and other inclusive features.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality acknowledges the right of all children to enjoy play, recreation and culture, as outlined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Ireland has ratified. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality supports the implementation of the right to play and recreation through dedicated funding streams.

The Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation provides capital funding to Local Authorities for the development of new play and recreation facilities, the refurbishment of existing facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements into publicly accessible play and recreation spaces.

The scheme is open to all Local Authorities, which may submit project proposals for assessment by the Department. Eligible projects must provide publicly accessible play and recreation opportunities for children and young people, be inclusive and accessible to users of all abilities where possible, and demonstrate consultation with local children and young people.

A key requirement of the scheme is that facilities and equipment funded are accessible and inclusive. Recent projects supported have included wheelchair-accessible play equipment, inclusive sensory play equipment, autism-friendly features, upgraded accessibility measures and dedicated teen recreation spaces.

The Making Spaces for and with Teenagers initiative was piloted in 2025, and continued in 2026, where Local Authorities were invited to develop and submit a proposal for a project to address the recreational needs of teenagers in their local authority area. A key requirement of this new funding scheme is that Local Authorities must consult with local young people to get their views on the facilities to be developed.

In 2026, a pilot scheme to support the development of nature-based play spaces was announced. €200,000 allocated across the country to Local Authorities for the development of dedicated nature-based play spaces with two projects awarded funding of €100,000 each under this NDP funded pilot initiative for 2026.

The Department also provides €100,000 annually in support of National Play Day. The aim of National Play Day is to promote play and recreation opportunities for children and young people all across the country. Through this initiative, Local Authorities can apply for funding to deliver a programme of activities on their own National Play Day.