The Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dinny Mc Ginley T.D., officially opened a new childcare centre (Ionad Cúram Leanaí Charna) in Carna today. The new facility was developed at a total cost of €1 million and received funding from Pobal and Údarás na Gaeltachta,.
Minister of State, Dinny Mc Ginley praised Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo (FCL Teo) for undertaking the project. “The premises and facilities at Ionad Cúram Leanaí Charna are of a very high standard. The centre provides a wide range of services in Irish for the local community and already has over 40 children attending the crèche, pre-school and after school programs. Ionad Cúram Leanaí Charna also hosts play groups and summer camps. Without a doubt, the centre plays a critical role in providing pre-school and after school services and facilities through the medium of Irish for the local community.”
Joan McGarry, Development Team Leader with Pobal’s Early Education and Childcare Unit who provided funding for this project under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), said that “Pobal and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs were delighted to have been involved in supporting FCL Teo in the development of the centre. Pobal staff worked with FCL Teo and the County Childcare Committee to help develop and provide the best quality childcare services in the area.”
The centre, which services are managed by Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta, employs 8 people and has been open for a number of months.
Stiofán Ó Cúláin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta said “FCL Teo, the committees and everyone involved in this project are to be commended. Ionad Cúram Leanaí is an excellent facility for Carna and the surrounding community. The services the centre provides will assist in the preservation of the Irish language as a family and community language in the area into the future.
Risteard Mac Donnchadh, Chairman of FCL Teo thanked Pobal and Údarás na Gaeltachta for providing funding for the project. He also thanked Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta and the Galway City and County Childcare Committee for their continuous support and guidance.