A local TD has welcomed the announcement of a €10 million scheme to deliver additional early learning and childcare places.
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 this morning.
It will provide grants for early learning and childcare services to increase their capacity by means of extensions to their existing premises.
Local TD, Brendan Smith has welcomed the news.
In an question to Minister Jack Chambers last week, Deputy Smith raised the issue of childcare places.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Smith highlighted the "urgent" need to increase capacity in Co. Cavan.
Deputy Smith said: "I refer to the childcare sector in particular. With the Minister's approval, the Minister, Deputy Foley, recently introduced the building blocks grant scheme towards the provision of new childcare places and the upgrading of existing facilities.
"That is a very worthwhile programme. The Minister, Deputy Foley, recently visited my constituency, where she met some of the providers who have availed of the building blocks grant scheme and others who urgently need to increase capacity or to upgrade existing capacity. That scheme needs additional investment.
"I am working with groups in small parishes and villages such as the Denn Toddlers Playgroup in Crosskeys, County Cavan, and Happy Days Childcare in Belturbet, County Cavan. Crosskeys is a small village and Belturbet is a small town but they have huge demand for additional places, as the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach will know. It is therefore extremely important that the building blocks scheme be expanded, if at all possible.
"There is a similar situation in disability services. There are two particular needs in my constituency. There is a need to considerably expand the Drumlin House Training Centre. I am very glad that substantial capital funding has been approved in respect of that development.
"In addition, there is the day activation unit in Cavan town, which provides day services for young adults with complex needs. At present, it is in totally unsuitable accommodation. Again, I am very glad that the HSE, in conjunction with the Department of children, is advancing that project," Deputy Smith added.
