The Minister said that the allocation to Clare of almost 9% of the total Capital Grants fund approved nationally was further proof of the Government’s commitment to improving childcare infrastructure in the county.

He said that it also reflected the considerable contribution of community and voluntary associations in developing the sector, as well as the valuable work carried out by the Clare County Childcare Committee.

According to Minister Killeen, “The grant assistance will help eleven Clare-based community-based and not for profit groups and private childcare providers to meet the capital cost of developing childcare facilities. The services, which are located all over the county, have been approved for funding based on a demonstrated childcare need in their respective areas.”

“I am delighted to see such a wide geographical spread of funding recipients. Among them is West Clare Early Years and Education Services Ltd. in Kilkee (EUR1.179M), Little Starlings in Shannon (EUR55,451), Bon’s Bunnies Crèche in Drumquin (EUR9,718), Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus (EUR720k), Rainbow Childminding Service in Mullagh (EUR25k), Killaloe Community Development Co. Ltd. (EUR1.2m) and Art Farm in Ballycirney, Killaloe (EUR87,229). A further EUR245k has been allocated to service providers in Doora, Cappa, Westbury and Quilty”, he added.

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. 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. Last week, for example, the Clare Family Resource Centre commenced work on the construction of a new EUR1.5m community crèche at a site on the Watery Road in Ennis”, stated Minister Killeen.

“The grants approved nationally by Minister for Children, Brendan Smith TD, are expected to create over 7,000 new childcare places, bringing the total number of new places to be created under the NCIP to some 25,000”, concluded the Minister.

- End -

“Enhancing reputations–Increasing exposure–Increasing understanding”

Founded in 2006, Dunphy Public Relations is a communications group led by Mark Dunphy from County Clare. Mr. Dunphy previously held the position of ‘Head of News and Current Affairs’ in Clare FM Radio.

Dunphy Public Relations has secured extensive local, national and international media coverage for clients including Clare County Council; Supply Network Shannon; The Atlantis Holiday Group; Shannon Town Council; Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience; Clare Museum; Digino Marketing; Renewable Energy Skillsnet; Magico.ie; Kilrush Town Council; Clonlara Wholesale; Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen; Clare County Library; and Ennis Town Council.