EUR300k For Clare Childcare Service Providers

Top up Capital Grants of EUR200k and EUR100k were allocated to Clare Family Resource Centre Ltd, Ennis and Sixmilebridge & District Community Complex Society Ltd. respectively, under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP).

Minister Killeen said that the funding reflected the considerable contribution of community and voluntary associations in developing the childcare sector.

"This allocation to two local service providers is further proof of the Government’s commitment to improving childcare infrastructure in the county. It follows on from January’s NCIP allocation of over EUR3.5m to eleven service providers across Clare", stated the Clare T.D.

According to Minister Killeen, "The grant assistance will help Clare Family Resource Centre Ltd, Ennis and Sixmilebridge & District Community Complex Society Ltd to meet the capital cost of developing childcare facilities. Both services have been approved for funding based on a demonstrated childcare need in their respective areas."

Minister Killeen explained that the NCIP 2006-10 was already delivering on its primary objective of upgrading childcare infrastructure across Clare.

"It is anticipated that the programme will create up to 50,000 new childcare places nationally, with the objective of assisting parents to access affordable, quality childcare", he said.

"Locally we can see that there has been a significant increase in the number of childcare places being provided while it is encouraging to see a steady increase in investments in high quality childcare facilities. Presently, for example, the Clare Family Resource Centre is constructing a new EUR1.5m community crèche at a site on the Watery Road in Ennis", Minister Killeen concluded.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353-868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)