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The new facility, which was built at a total cost of €584,000 provided by the Government’s National Childcare Investment Programme, has the capacity to cater for up to 41 local children and provides employment for 4 fulltime childcare staff at present. Its catchment area covers Blacklion and the wider area.

Minister Smith said that as Minister for Children in 2008, he was very glad to have been in a position to approve the necessary grant for the project. “I was very impressed by the quality of the application and pleased to support it. I was honoured to turn the sod on the project in May of last year and now of course delighted to be here in Blacklion to mark its completion”, the Minister said. He complimented the Architect Mr. Michael Mitchell and Contractor Michael Fitzpatrick Construction for the delivery of such a magnificent facility for the community of Blacklion.

Minister Smith 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 Blacklion 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 delivering this project and continue to support it, particularly the very active Committee, Mr. Vincent Reynolds of the Cavan County Enterprise Board, Killinagh Community Council and of course your very hard working local public representative, Cllr. John Paul Feeley who has supported the project every step of the way.