There are more than twice as many golf courses in the country as there are public playgrounds, according to a survey carried out by the National Children's Office.
The National Children's Office today unveiled its Ready Steady Playpolicy as a response to concerns raised by children to the shortage of safe public play spaces.
The survey found that in Ireland there are only 168 public playgrounds with fixed equipment owned and managed by local authorities in comparison to 405 golf courses.
According to the National Children's Office "increased traffic and perceived 'stranger danger' have resulted in parents becoming increasing reluctant to allow children to play unsupervised outside their own homes."
The process for the Ready Steady Playpolicy started three years ago when over 2,000 children wrote to the then Minister for Children asking for more places to play.
The Minister for Children, Mr Brian Lenihan, today announced the allocation of €1 million to a grant scheme for local authorities to build or refurbish playgrounds.
"Consultation with children on the design of playgrounds is a key recommendation and will be a condition of the funding scheme for local authorities," Mr Lenihan said.
The policy also notes the need for improved play facilities for children in hospital.
