TD urges approval of funds for community centre

FUNDING of more than €660,000 approved by two Government departments for a Limerick community scheme may be lost if a third Government department does not come up with its share of grant aid, Labour Party front bench spokesperson Jan O’Sullivan warned last night.

Deputy O’Sullivan said the Department of Equality and Law Reform must immediately approve funding for the St Munchin’s Family Resource Centre. “This money can be granted under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, in view of the fact that funding has already been agreed by the Department of Environment and the Family Support Agency.

The overall project is in jeopardy if childcare capital funding from the third department is not forthcoming.”

She said St Munchin’s Resource Centre is doing tremendous work in “two city council flats in Ballynanty. It houses 12 full-time and four part-time staff as well as FÁS trainees and volunteers.” St Munchin’s Centre is used by about 500 people a week for activities such as creche, pre-school, after school homework, children at risk, adult education, literacy classes, family support, money advice, bereavement counselling, and library service.