Sod Turned For Major New Community Crèche In Clare

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Ennis, County Clare, 21st January 2008 – Work on the construction of one of Clare’s largest community crèches has begun in Ennis.

Operated by the Clare Family Resource Centre, the €1.5 million state of the art facility will cater for up to 85 children. The 5000 sq. ft building will be located on the Watery Road on a site purchased from the local authority last year.

Project contractor K & D Whelan Construction Limited of Newhall, Ennis has estimated that work on the 5000sq ft. crèche will be completed by late 2008.

Mayor of Clare Cllr Patricia McCarthy and Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Tommy Brennan turned the sod on the new facility this morning. Representatives of the HSE and the Clare County Childcare Committee also attended the ceremony.

“In turning this sod we are marking an important stage in our ongoing efforts to provide a new, modern and well-equipped childcare facilities for the people of County Clare,” said Ms. Maureen Keane, Manager, Clare Family Resource Centre

Ms. Keane explained, “The population of Ennis has increased greatly over the past decade with further significant increases predicted over the coming years. Therefore, it is necessary to upgrade the town’s existing infrastructure, including the provision of additional childcare places.”

“The aim of providing this facility is to support and assist families and children in Clare through the provision of accessible affordable high quality childcare. Like the existing crèche at Clonroad, the new centre will provide part/full time day care and sessional places for children aged 4 months to 9 years. It will feature a multi sensory room for children with special needs and a larger outside space to meet the needs of children in our care”, continued Ms. Keane.

She indicated that a voluntary board of sponsors comprising parents and members of the local community would run the new community childcare centre.

“We believe this will effect the process of empowerment of parents particularly in parenting skills raising confidence and self esteem, which open pathways of opportunity in education and community involvement”, she stated.

Ms. Keane added, “Our ethos is to provide an environment that is warm safe and friendly and which supports and encourages children to be themselves and to grow and develop and reach their own potential at their own pace We will continue to provide a choice of stimulating resources and materials to promote the children’s learning and development.”

The Clare Family Resource Centre was established in 1994 by two pioneering parents, who recognised the need for affordable childcare to help mothers get back into education or the workforce. The CFRC was also the first community crèche facility in the County.

The registered charity presently operates a 70-place community crèche on the Clonroad in Ennis along with a FÁS approved Community employment scheme for 24 participants. As well as offering an after school programme, the community based not-for-profit crèche contains four separate rooms, which cater for babies, toddlers, preschool and Montessori. Its culturally diverse nature means children of different nationalities use it.

Commenting on the new facility, Mr. Peter Sheehy, CFRC Board Chairperson, said, “The Board are delighted that all the hard work over the last two years has culminated in a purpose built, state of the art facility that is available for families in Clare. The Board would like to pay tribute to the dedication of Manager Maureen Keane and her hard working colleagues.”

The Clare Family Resource Centre is funded and supported by various organisations including the Office of the Minister for Children, Pobal, Clare County Childcare Committee, HSE and FAS. The Office of the Minister for Children has provided funding of €1 million for the new centre.

For more on the Family Resource Centre, Clonroad Business Park, Clonroad, Ennis, County Clare, call 065-6823923 or email cfrc@eircom.net

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
Maureen Keane, Manager, Clare Family Resource Centre is available for interview and further comment. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com