<p>
	All public playgrounds and recreation areas for children will have to be &quot;no smoking&quot; in future if they want funding.</p>
<p>
	Minister for Children James Reilly sanctioned capital grants of between &euro;10,000 and &euro;15,000 from a &euro;250,000 fund for new or upgraded children&#39;s play and recreation projects in 19 local authority areas.</p>
<p>
	However, he said all future applications for grants will have to provide a guarantee they will be smoke free.</p>
<p>
	Many local authorities have already taken a lead with the introduction of these smoking bans but it remains voluntary.</p>
<p>
	&quot;The Government has made clear its intention to progress policies that reduce the prevalence of smoking amongst all ages,&quot; he said.</p>
<p>
	&quot;I have made a particular point of stressing the need to stop children from ever starting to smoke in the first place and we pursue a policy of attempting to de-normalise smoking for young people.</p>
<p>
	&quot;For that reason in future I will request that funding for projects such as children&#39;s playgrounds will be contingent on the relevant local authority implementing a policy of ensuring the projects are no smoking areas. The importance of de-normalising smoking in the eyes of children can&#39;t be over-emphasised.&quot;</p>
<p>
	The projects which benefited from the current round of funding include refurbishment and development of six urban, suburban and public housing play areas in Dublin city.</p>
<p>
	It is also going towards new, accessible equipment for a playground built in the 1970s in Athy, Kildare, as well as the creation of innovative, natural playground spaces and outdoor learning environments in Tyrrelstown, northwest Dublin.</p>
<p>
	Also benefiting are the development of a recreational space and multi-use games area for children in Newcastle West, Limerick, as well as the creation of several playgrounds and recreational spaces from green field sites.</p>
<p>
	Prof Luke Clancy, director general of the Tobacco Free Research Institute Ireland, welcomed the new &#39;no smoking&#39; criteria, adding: &quot;It should de-normalise smoking while preventing exposure to second hand smoke and prevention of litter.&quot;</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/funds-only-for-no-smoking-playgrounds-30455714.html">http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/funds-only-for-no-smoking-playgrounds-30455714.html</a></p>
