Waterford City and County Council builds on success of healthy and active neighbourhood programme
Healthy Waterford and Waterford Sports Partnership, along with key stakeholders including Buíon Phort Láirge, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Waterford Libraries, the Community Safety Partnership, and the Waterford Childcare Committee, are partnering to roll out the Playful Communities initiative for 2026.
The Playful Communities initiative supports children and adults to safely play outdoors, and resident groups and support agencies are invited to apply to participate.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan officially launched the initiative at Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre and spoke of his experience attending several Playful Communities events throughout 2025.
“Having seen first-hand the impact of the Playful Communities initiative at events across the city and county, it is clear that this exceptional programme fosters stronger connections among residents and highlights the vital, intergenerational role of play and social interaction within our communities.
“Following its success in 2025, I am hopeful that even more communities throughout Waterford will have the opportunity to participate this year.”
Sinéad Breathnach, Head of Waterford City and County Council’s Community and Sports Department, highlighted the value of the Playful Neighbourhoods and Communities approach, noting that the project demonstrates how the community sector can successfully empower residents to build resilient communities through inclusive and accessible opportunities for play and recreation.
She emphasised that, in the context of 2026 priorities, the initiative delivers measurable social, health and wellbeing outcomes, aligns strongly with Healthy Ireland and the Local Economic and Community Plan, and supports the Council’s commitments under the WHO Healthy Cities and Communities Programme. She further noted that the approach provides a shared framework that enables effective collaboration and alignment with a broad range of statutory, community and voluntary stakeholders.
Building on last year’s success, several Playful Neighbourhoods and Communities initiatives will be delivered across Waterford City and County between May and September 2026.
To receive an application pack and apply, please email eoinmorrissey@waterfordcouncil.ie by February 13th, 2026.
