Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has called on the Tánaiste to take action after Raphoe Community Playgroup was refused funding to rebuild their building.
The Playgroup is a community childcare service and had to leave their building last year when it was condemned due to the presence of defective concrete blocks.
Doherty TD, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Finance, pointed out that the Playgroup was promised funding multiple times last year, even by the Minister and the Tánaiste directly. Despite following the application steps they were told to, the funding hasn’t come through.
The reason given is that the playgroup doesn’t own the land. Even though they have a 22-year lease from Donegal County Council.
“Why is this important? This is a community group that was funded by EU and fundraising money. It has got defective blocks. It is condemned,” Deputy Doherty asked Simon Harris yesterday.
“They are currently in another building that isn’t fit for purpose. They have to take the tables and chairs and put them in a shed every single evening.
“It is not acceptable – this was not a thing of their making.
“Defective blocks got onto the market because of lack of regulation during successive governments and now the funding that they were told would be there to help them rebuild their premises has been refused.”
“How many times do we have to raise this?,” Deputy Doherty asked.
“You’ve pledged about community childcare facilities. There is a serious issue in terms of childcare.
“This community group tells us that they will not be able to function next year unless they get the funding to rebuild the playgroup.
“So, can I ask you, can you please intervene? Knock some heads together and give this group the money that they need to build their community playgroup.
“To rebuild their playgroup that is falling apart because of defective blocks.”
