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Waterford City & County Council & Waterford Sports Partnership Launch Play Pack Loan Scheme in Two Waterford City Libraries

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Building on the success of last year’s Pilot Play Pack Loan Scheme at Lismore Library, Waterford Sports Partnership and Healthy Waterford (Waterford City & County Council) have once again teamed up with Waterford Libraries to expand the initiative to communities in Waterford City. The two new Play Packs will now be available to loan from Ardkeen Library and Central Library.

Welcoming the expansion, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, said the scheme reflects Waterford’s continued commitment to child-friendly, inclusive communities:
“The Play Pack Loan Scheme is a fantastic example of how simple, creative initiatives can have a meaningful impact on families and communities. By expanding this scheme into Waterford City libraries, we are ensuring that more children have access to opportunities for play, learning and social connection, regardless of circumstance.”

This welcome expansion complements the popular Playful Communities initiative, which has been ongoing in County Waterford over recent years and focuses on encouraging play as a vital part of children’s physical, social and emotional development.
Sinéad Breathnach, Senior Executive Officer for Community and Sports with Waterford City & County Council, highlighted the wider benefits of the scheme:
“Play is fundamental to children’s health and wellbeing. This partnership approach between Waterford Sports Partnership, Healthy Waterford and Waterford Libraries allows us to remove barriers to play by making high-quality, engaging play resources easily accessible within local communities.”

The scheme was designed to foster creativity, learning and fun for families and children within the community. The Play Packs, carefully curated, contain a variety of engaging toys, games and sporting equipment suitable for children of various ages. From toys and building blocks to puzzles and imaginative play sets, these packs are designed to spark curiosity and encourage active and imaginative play.

Mary Conway, Waterford City & County Librarian and Head of Culture, welcomed the role of libraries in supporting community wellbeing:
“Libraries are about much more than books – they are welcoming, inclusive spaces that support learning, creativity and connection. The Play Pack Loan Scheme aligns perfectly with the aims of the Waterford Library Development Plan 2025-2030, and we are delighted to see it available in Ardkeen, Central and Lismore Libraries for families and community groups to enjoy. Over the course of 2026 we want to expand Play Pack availability to all our libraries across Waterford City and County”

Rosarie Kealy, Chief Executive Officer, Waterford Sports Partnership, commented the value of partnerships in this type of project.
‘’The Play Pack Loan Scheme is an example of collaboration at its best. Waterford Sports Partnership, Healthy Waterford and Waterford Libraries came together to develop a simple idea that provides play resources for people in their own communities, making it easier for children to play and be active. We look forward to the expansion of the scheme to all Waterford libraries in 2026.’’

The Play Packs are now available for borrowing by library members, local community groups and residents’ associations from Ardkeen Library, Central Library and Lismore Library.

For further information, please contact Lauren Walsh Kett at lwalshkett@waterfordsportspartnership.ie or Eoin Morrissey at eoinmorrissey@waterfordcouncil.ie.

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