Ballyjamesduff creche opened

A new community crèche, which was built at a cost of €1.2m, was officially opened last Friday evening by the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith. The childcare facility, which was funded by the government under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), caters for 70 children and provides Montessori, pre-school and school-age childcare services to young families in Ballyjamesduff and the surrounding area. Minister Smith said the fact that he was able to approve the maximum amount of funding available- €1.2 million - reflected the quality of the application submitted, which involved the cooperation of a number of other groups and organisations with Ballyjamesduff Community Council. These include: Cavan County Council, which made the site available to the committee for the development; and Bishop O'Reilly on behalf of the Catholic Church, who provided the access necessary for the development to proceed. "I would like also to acknowledge the support and co-operation of the Boards of Management of both the local primary and secondary schools in facilitating the development," the Minister said. The Cavan/Monaghan government TD commended Delcross Construction and the directors Jimmy Carroll and Andy Conaty for delivering the project within a very short timeframe. He also complimented architects Gaffney and Cullivan for the excellence of their design, the electrical contractor Ciaran Callaghan and the plumbing contractor Noel Cusack. In conclusion, Minister Smith thanked Paraig Smith, the committee and the entire community in Ballyjamesduff who had the vision to plan the development of the facility. "I am aware of the commitment of all those associated with this facility and I would like to compliment everyone associated with the development for their vision and determination in bringing this project to a successful conclusion," he said. The blessing was performed by Fr. Donal Kilduff and the gathering was also addressed by Paddy Connaughton, executive engineer, Cavan County Council; local councillor Paddy Smith and Noreen McGovern, support and development worker with Cavan County Childcare Committee. Also present were Carol Martin from Pobal, who also provided financial support and Cllrs. Pauline McCauley, Dessie Boylan, Danny Brady and Shane P. O'Reilly. Noreen McGovern revealed that the crèche has applied to participate in the early childhood care and education scheme. This entitles all children aged between three years, three months and four years, six months to avail of a free pre-school place in the year before starting primary school. The facility can cater for children of all ages between six months and twelve years. They care for babies, toddlers and pre-school children and after school children. The chairman of the Community Creche Board of Management, Paraig Smith, said it was a very proud day for Ballyjamesduff. He thanked various people including Minister Smith, Paddy Connaughton from Cavan County Council, the local authority for the site and Bishop Leo O'Reilly for providing an access route through parish grounds. The building committee embodied the spirit of the thriving community of Ballyjamesduff by driving the project from start to finish. He also acknowledged the support of the Community Council and the current chairpersons, Jennifer Hannon and Evelyn Slowey. He said the facility represents the future of the community, its hopes and dreams for the children. Staff The manager of the community crèche is Yvonne Ward, while Olivia White is the supervisor. The other staff members include Geraldine Farrington, Veronica Sheridan, Niamh Coleman, Aisling Kellett, Kara Clarke and Mary Kelly. In addition to Paraig Smith, Kevin Foley is the vice chairman of the board and the treasurer is Marcella Condron; while Nora Reilly is the secretary. Committee members include Evelyn Slowey, David Murray, Deirdre Caffrey and Ann Fox.