€54,854 funding for Afterschool Services in Co. Longford
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has today announced funding of €54,854 for the development of 4 Afterschool Services in Co. Longford.
Two services were awarded funding under Strand A to establish new services: Clonbroney Parish Hall, Ballinalee – €15.029 and Glen National School, Edgeworthstown – €19,825.
Two services were awarded funding under Strand B to expand existing service: ABC Childcare, Drumlish – €10,000 and Springlawn Childcare Service, Longford Town – €10,000.
“This is an exciting time for preschool and afterschool provision” says Lorraine Farrell, Co-Ordinator of Longford County Childcare Committee. “On many occasions LCCC has highlighted areas within the county that are lacking capacity for both preschool and afterschool places. While this funding won’t solve the problem of capacity, it certainly begins to address the issue.”
All recipients expressed their delight as this funding will enable them to facilitate more families who require Afterschool Care for children. Some providers did note some concern around the inopportune timing of the announcements making a September opening date extremely challenging with another successful applicant expressing concern over finding suitable staff to fulfill positions that will now become available as a result of these expansions. Ms. Farrell noted that many early years and afterschool providers in the county are seeking the support of LCCC with recruiting staff for September. “Providers are indicating that recruitment is proving challenging at the moment. While it is very beneficial to families that funding is available to create more spaces, service providers also need support to encourage the recruitment and retention of staff”
Longford County Childcare Committee congratulate all services who received funding and assure them of full support with the projects they are about to undertake. Please contact us here if you would like further information.
These grants follow an amount of €287,000 awarded to Preschool Services in recent weeks bringing total additional funds to Co. Longford to €341,854
