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Grants for community creches up
for grabs
07.04.14
DONEGAL's 83
community-run early childhood services are being
urged to apply for new capital grants announced last
week by the Government.
The funding will be directed towards two specific
purposes, namely, large scale maintenance works with
grants of up to €50,000 available and quality and
sustainability improvements with up to €50,000 also
available. Large scale works would include roofs,
windows and doors, heating and sanitary systems,
building access or safety, replacement of worn
fixtures and fittings and essential repairs to
outdoor play areas.
The second eligible category would allow for medium
or large scale works to improve Building Energy
Ratings and other sustainability features.
Donegal Childcare Committee manager, Avril McMonagle
said a national fund of €2.5 million for the repair,
maintenance and upgrade of community is available in
the not-for-profit childcare sector but private
operators would lose out. |
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Donegal childcare manager, Avril
McMonagle. |
"The announcement is
bitter sweet for privately managed childcare
providers across Donegal. 68 of the 151 early
childhood services in Donegal will not be able to
apply for this funding. It is disappointing that
this decision has been taken as it creates an
inequality of opportunity in our sector that is
totally avoidable," said Ms McMonagle.
"A fairer approach would have been to introduce two
levels of funding – one for community managed
services and one for privately managed services.
This would have enabled all services across the
county to upgrade facilities for children in a more
equitable manner."
The programme is now open for applications via the
Pobal website
www.pobal.ie . For advice and assistance to
complete the application please contact Donegal
County Childcare on 074 9123442 and ask to speak to
a childcare development officer who will provide
support and advice regarding the application and
appraisal process. |
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