Minister O’Gorman announces approved National Play Day 2022 funding

Thursday 23 June

• Funding to be distributed to Local Authorities in advance of National Play Day
• All 31 Local Authorities were successful in their application and will each receive funding of €3k

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman is delighted to announce that €93,000 has been approved to support National Play Day 2022.

This year National Play Day can take place on any day or a combination of days between July 2nd and 9th (inclusive).

The aim of National Play Day is to promote play opportunities for children and young people all across the country, with this year’s theme being ‘All Play Together’

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth received applications from 31 Local Authorities for this funding. All applicants qualified for the maximum amount of funding available – €3,000 per Local Authority.

The funding will enable Local Authorities to deliver play opportunities for a diverse range of children and young people in the community.

Among the items funded are active play packs that target a number of harder to reach children, including Traveller children, children with additional needs, children in women’s refuge centres, children in direct provision centres and newly arrived Ukrainian children in temporary accommodation.

Funding will also be used by Local Authorities to provide a diverse range of outdoor activities for children and young people in their communities.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister O’ Gorman said:

“Play is vital to supporting children’s development, learning and wellbeing. It encourages a sense of adventure and discovery, helping young minds to better understand the world around them through fun and creative ways. This National Play Day is an opportunity for Local Authorities to invite children, and their families, to come together in their communities and take part in a range of fun and exciting activities that everyone can enjoy.”

Details of County Roscommon Playday are available below: