Government Chief Whip & Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD has announced €100,000 in funding will be allocated to Waterford City & County Council for ‘Teen Space’ in Carrickphierish Recreation Park.

‘Teen Space’ in Carrickphierish Recreation Park in Waterford City will deliver the first dedicated Teenage Hangout Space in Waterford. The area will provide an open hang out space, scattered informal seating, sheltered areas with minimal facilities for physical activity, music speaker posts, soft bond rubber area and a design that will allow for parkour movements.

Minister Butler stated: “It is so encouraging to announce a project that will provide a safe, attractive place for young people to meet friends and spend time outdoors. This project will feature sheltered areas for all-weather use, comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and accessible design.

“Such initiatives provide our young people with opportunities to meet and spend time together in a place they can call their own. This teenage specific recreational space is being provided under the ‘Making Spaces for and with Teenagers Initiative’ which seeks to facilitate young people in Waterford with opportunities to meet and spend time together in a place they can call their own.

“I want to commend my colleague, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley T.D who has today confirmed €400,000 in national funding for new recreational spaces for teenagers in Longford, Westmeath, Mayo and Waterford. Dormant Accounts Funding and National Development Plan funding is being provided for these projects following the successful 2025 pilot, Making Places for and with Teenagers Initiative.’

Minister Butler concluded: “I am really encouraged that, through an evaluation process, which included representation from the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive, young people have played a key role in the development and evaluation of these recreational spaces. Great credit is also due to Sean Aylward, Chairperson of the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) and Eddie Mulligan, who have been a driving force behind this initiative.”

Nationally, the provision of playgrounds for young children has improved in recent years with around 960 playgrounds available in 31 councils around the country. In contrast, 47% of local authorities did not provide any play facilities for children back in 1999.

There are now 171 council-owned multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and 59 skate parks which are designed for children aged 12-18.