Royal Canal Bank playground gets an upgrade 

There will be an upgrade to the Royal Canal Bank Playground by Dublin City Council. 

The playground has been closed since 8 April and is expected to be finished and reopened by June.  

“The new playground’s theme is connected to the Royal Canal’s rich historical heritage. It will include a new feature play ship and new neutral play areas for children of all ages to enjoy. The play space will be open and inclusive, tactile and beautiful,” the Dublin City Council Parks Department said. 

The current playground structure was opened in February 2009 by Dublin Lord Mayor, at the time, Eibhlin Byrne. 

The playground is located near the Blessington Street Basin and was first built in September 1933.  

The then Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alderman Alfie Byrne TD, described the playground as “Dublin’s new play centre, a boon for city children – a tasteful park that had now been laid out by the Corporation on what was some six years ago a canal waterway.” 

The basketball court/football pitch that are beside the playground were due to stay open but closed when the playground did. They were reopened on Friday, 18 April.  

“The basketball court/football pitch beside Blessington Street Basin should be back open now and will remain open during the upgrade of the playground. It wasn’t supposed to be closed but it seems there was some miscommunication,” Councillor Feljin Jose said in a Facebook post.  

For many, the park and playground are a peaceful escape from the busy city which is just minutes away.  

“I always bring my niece to this playground and it’s great, but it has been the same for years now,” Grace Brady said. “I think it’s definitely due an upgrade so I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ll do with it.” .