Childcare providers boosted by €1.15m grants

SEVERAL childcare providers in Cork City and county are to receive grants totalling €1.15m.

The grants are part of the latest round of funding under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme administered by the Department of Justice. The biggest recipient is the Macroom Family Resource Centre, which is to receive €836,409.

Senator John Minihan, Progressive Democrats, has welcomed news of the funding, saying “the money will prove invaluable in supporting the development of the childcare throughout Cork.”

The Cork recipients are:

Macroom Family Resource Centre: a capital grant of €836,409.

Skibbereen Community Playgroup: a capital grant of €6,983.

Lyre Community Pre-school Playgroup, Banteer, Co. Cork: a capital grant of €26,493.

Millstreet Community Council: a capital grant of €16,230.

Midleton Community Forum Ltd, Youghal Road, Midleton: a capital grant of €36,989 and a staffing grant of €61,878.

Scamps & Rascals Playgroup, Garryvoe, Ladysbridge: a capital grant of €3,209.

Oaklands, Oakview, Derry, Berrings: a capital grant of €50,790.

Scoil Ursula Creche, Blackrock: a staffing grant of €60,000.

Holy Cross Creche/Drop-in Centre, Holy Cross Boys National School, Mahon, Co Cork: a staffing grant of €60,000.

Senator Minihan said he was delighted with Cork’s success in attracting funding.

“All of these groups provide a wonderful service to their local communities.

The grants are to provide support towards the building, renovation, upgrading or equipping of facilities and provide assistance towards meeting staffing costs.

“This month sees a further 76 grants announced, making an additional 8,780,343 of grant assistance available to a mix of both community and private childcare providers.

“This latest funding will lead to the creation of over 900 childcare places and will support over 450 existing childcare places,” said Mr Minihan.