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The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D. has performed the official opening of a new childcare facility at Bailieborough Community Resource House.

The new facility, which was built at a total cost of €1.14 million provided by the Government’s National Childcare Investment Programme and Cavan County Council through PEACE funding, caters for 50 local children and provides employment for 14 staff.

Minister Smith said that as Minister for Children in 2008, he was very glad to assist in bringing the grant application to a successful conclusion. “Having been with you all in July 2008 to turn the sod on the project, I am delighted to be back here now to mark all the hard work that went into it coming to fruition”, the Minister said. He complimented the Architect Mr. Pascal Reilly and the Contractor Mr. Vinny McCabe, Director of Threemore Properties, for delivering the project within a relatively short timeframe. “In the period since the turning of the sod, the empty green field site has been transformed into what we have here today; a state of the art community resource centre”, the Minister added.

He outlined how the development of this new facility should be seen very much in the context of significant improvements in providing quality childcare in County Cavan as a whole. “Under the two Childcare Programmes, Cavan has benefited from over €18.3 million in approved funding, leading to the provision of almost 1,200 new childcare places”, he said.

“There is a great sense of excitement and satisfaction surrounding the official opening of this new facility. I know that it means an enormous amount to the people of Bailieborough and it is a testament to the strength of the local community and the value of the major investment by Government in supporting childcare programmes. I would like to warmly compliment all who have been involved in fulfilling this project and continue to support it, particularly Ann Hanley and Philip Fyfe, and the other members of the Committee.

This is a proud day and I am delighted to be associated with it”, the Minister concluded.