Work begins on new Rath Chairn childcare centre

Work has begun on a new childcare facility in Rath Chairn following a sod-turning on the site last week by Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey. The childcare project is headed by a local committee, Ionad Cúram Leanaí Ráthcairn, and its chairman, Paraic " Griofa, said the new facility will further enhance the growing of the Irish language in the Rath Chairn Gaeltacht. "Even at this early stage, there is a huge interest with some places already booked into 2012," he said. "The current naíonra, which is currently being catered for in the local community centre, will be moving to the new building from next January." Funding of €700,000 was approved from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010. The new building, adjacent to the national school, will be 4,000 square feet and can cater for up to 50 children. The facility will cater for children from three months to 14 years of age. It is been constructed by Midland Contractors and is due for completion by November 2011. The new facility will be run through the medium of Irish and will employ four full-time and five part-time staff. Mr Dempsey said that children were central in every community and that this new facility would cater for all aspects of children's needs. It will also ensure that parents can go to work, return to work or further their own education in the knowledge that their children are being cared for in an environment that will allow them to grow and develop. Mr Dempsey added how it was great to see what can be achieved in communities with help and support of this nature.