TEMPO residents have said it’s “disappointing” that the ongoing development at the new play park facility in the village has had to be delayed and postponed due to vandalism incidents.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has recently committed to redeveloping the play park in Tempo as part of their ‘Play Park Strategy 2020-2030’ which has been ongoing throughout the county.
Local residents have been at loggerheads with the Council after they refused to relocate the play park to the ‘small parcel of land free of charge’ which has been proposed by the Tempo GAA club.
Over 500 members of the community signed a petition urging the Council to relocate the facility, but they committed to redeveloping the existing site, which is prone to flooding and anti-social behaviour.
“Works have been undertaken at Tempo play park as part of the ongoing delivery of our ‘Play Park Strategy’. This work has unfortunately been delayed due to the weather conditions,” said a Council spokesperson.
“However, we are disappointed that it has been further delayed by three incidents of vandalism since the work commenced, most recently this week when the surface was being laid.
“These works are designed to enhance the play opportunities for children and young people in the area and we look forward to being able to open the play park as soon as possible.”
Local residents have reacted angrily to the news that the works at the play park have been delayed due to vandalism.
“A petition with almost 500 local signatures wanting a relocation of the park was ignored as well. Any damage in the village is disappointing and unwanted,” posted a frustrated resident on Facebook.
Another said: “It’s a shame these individuals have ruined it for the children that are looking forward to it.”
The Tempo GAA club held off on developing their club grounds, as they were waiting for official commitment from the Council on whether they would develop a new play park on their land.
“As a result of the uncertainty over the potential relocation of the playpark, we held back on developing the new changing facility at the training pitch with the expectation that a playpark could be accommodated on the site and that the provision of public toilets at our new building could serve those playing our games, walking on the path, or using the playground,” said the Tempo GAA club.
“We wanted to make the best possible use of the space we have available to us. However, now that it is clear the council are not going to move it, we can proceed with the development of the proposed new changing facility.”
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