Four Donegal childcare services are set to share a €2.2 million fund to deliver 165 additional early learning and childcare places.
The funding will provide for extensions in community and privately operated services across the county:
Creeslough Community Childcare Services will get €500,000 for a community extension to deliver 44 additional places, The Learning Tree in Kilmacrennan is receiving €195,414 for a private extension to deliver 12 additional places, Letterkenny Community Childcare been allocated €750,000 for a private extension to deliver 54 additional places, while Spraoi agus Spórt is getting €750,000 under community purchasing to deliver 55 additional places.
As of January, Donegal had 1,345 children under 4 on waiting lists for crèches and early years education. At the same time, there were just 89 places available across the county.
The government’s Building Blocks Extension Scheme, announced today, aims to deliver spaces ‘where they are needed most’. It will also allow community services to purchase or construct new premises.
Welcoming the announcement from Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue said: “I thank Minister Foley and her team at the department for their help and assistance with the local applications. Minister Foley has contacted the successful services to advise them of the next steps. 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”
Pat the Cope Gallagher TD also welcomed the funding and praised the committees, parents and all associated in securing the grants for the scheme. Deputy Gallagher said that he agrees with Minister Foley “that we need to go further to support parents, educators, practitioners and providers across the early learning and childcare sector, with the focus always on ensuring positive experiences for children.”
Donegal Senator Nikki Bradley added: “Having access to affordable, high quality, flexible childcare is crucial for families in Donegal to support families to balance work and care responsibilities. This funding will help childcare providers continue to carry out their excellent services.
“In particular, I’m delighted to see funding of €750,000 for Letterkenny Community Childcare CLG. The staff there provide a fantastic service to so many children in the area, and with this funding more than 50 additional places will be available.”
