Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has today announced that 10 early learning and childcare facilities across Cavan/Monaghan are set to receive over €5.2 million euro for extensions and new builds under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme.
€25 million in funding was delivered nationally.
The Building Blocks Extension Scheme will deliver additional capacity by supporting existing private and community early learning and childcare providers to extend their premises. It will also allow community services to purchase or construct new premises.
CAVAN
Ballymachugh Childcare Group - €500,000 - Extension Strand
Shercock Child Resource Centre Ltd - €500,000 – Extension Strand
Ballyjamesduff Community Creche - €500,000 – Extension Strand
Krafty Kids Community Childcare - €750,000- Community Purchasing
MONAGHAN
Clones Community Childcare - €366,382 – Extension Strand
Newbliss Childcare Services Ltd -€500,000 - under Community Extension Strand -
Inis Óg Childcare Inniskeen - €70,576 under Private Extension Strand
Knockatallon Community Childcare - €750,000 under Community Construction Strand
Ardaghey Community Childcare - - €750,000 under Community Construction Strand
Carrickroe Community Childcare - €647,251 under Community Construction Strand
In a statement issued to Northern Sound, Cavan-Monaghan TD Niamh Smyth congratulate the groups who have received this substantial funding today in order to help them advance in the respective areas in the provision of early learning and childcare services. Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Smyth said it was a "huge boost" for parents in these areas: "It is expected that the projects will commence in the coming months, with many of the additional places coming on stream towards the end of the year. Today’s announced is a small step to support parents, educators, practitioners and providers across the country. The Minister is developing an action plan to set out the important next steps that will build positive foundations we now have in place."
Also welcoming the news, Senator Robbie Gallagher told Northern Sound: "I am delighted with this announcement from Minister Norma Foley of these services under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme. These projects will deliver quality, affordable places for children in areas where they are needed most, which is a key priority of the Government. It will be a huge boost for parents in these areas It is expected that the projects will commence in the coming months, with many of the additional places coming on stream to towards the end of the year."
Elsewhere, Deputy Brendan Smith told Northern Sound: "I have been highlighting the need for this grant aid to be increased and I am very glad that Minister Foley has provided such funding to enable the expansion of childcare services. In most areas there is increasing demand for childcare places and it is essential that both private and community childcare services are supported to develop and expand. Providing additional places entails substantial expenditure, and government financial support for providers is essential in increasing childcare capacity."
