Funding to provide additional childcare places – Brendan Smith TD

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“I warmly welcome the approval by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, of substantial funding for additional childcare places at a number of facilities throughout Cavan/Monaghan.  The successful applications include:

✅ Community Extension Strand:
Ballymachugh Childcare Group, Kilnaleck (Cavan) – 27 places – €500,000
Shercock Child Resource Centre, Shercock (Cavan) – 34 places – €500,000
Ballyjamesduff Community Crèche (Cavan) – 30 places – €500,000
Clones Community Childcare (Monaghan) – 20 places – €366,382
Newbliss Childcare Services €500,000

✅Private Extension:
Inis Óg Childcare, Inniskeane (Monaghan) – 15 places – €70,576

✅ Community Construction:
Knockatallon Community Childcare CLG (Monaghan) – 45 places – €750,000
Ardaghey Community Childcare (Monaghan) – 38 places – €750,000
Carrickroe Community Childcare (Monaghan) – 41 places – €647,251

✅ Community Purchasing:
Krafty Kidz Ballyconnell (Cavan) – 40 places – €750,000

💰 Total Grant aid approved: €5,334,000

This funding has been approved under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme and it will greatly assist both private and community childcare providers in delivering additional capacity both through the provision of extensions to existing facilities and the purchase of new accommodation.

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.

I compliment the successful applicants and wish them well with their projects. I will be glad to continue to support the childcare sector throughout Cavan and Monaghan. I will work with other service providers who wish to submit applications under future capital grant schemes.