26-01-2002
MOUNTMELLICK CHILDCARE CENTRE LAUNCHES PLANS
Years of work came to fruition on Friday afternoon last as the plans for the Mountmellick Childcare Project were officially launched. Recently allocated a €1,405,782 grant under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, the centre is expected to open early next year.
The purpose built community facility will be located on the grounds of the MDA business park and will cater for 70 children aged from six weeks to eleven years.
Mountmellick Development Association Manager, Jim O’Brien said a lot of blood, sweat, tears and arm twisting had gone into the project to date by the partnership of the Association and the Midland Health Board. "It is one of the most significant childcare projects in the country. We have pooled our resources to attract major funding for a rural town. It will be a model for other rural areas on what can be done" said Mr O’Brien.
Liam Dempsey, a board member of Mountmellick Development Association, said it was an historical day for the partnership. The journey had been uphill in parts but it was wonderful to receive such funding. Work started in 1995 under the Local Urban Renewal Development Programme. The MDA made a submission through Area Development Management, seeking funding. That was successful and an integrated area plan was drawn up.
Mr Dempsey outlined that throughout 1995 and ’96 meetings were held to consult with the people of Mountmellick. The suggestion of a creche came from the women’s and mother and toddler group.
The Development Association became involved in a partnership with the Midland Health Board. Mr Dempsey said that its after-school project created crucial confidence building between the partners and laid the foundation for the childcare project.
Kate Brickley of the Midland Health Board recalled that the first announcement of the employers’ demonstration childcare initiative was made in March 1998. St. Vincent’s Hospital which had become a health promoting hospital the previous year, identified a need for creche facilities in the area and matron, Mrs Lane, embraced the idea of the childcare venture.
Former MDA manager, Sally Scully, put in a submission for funding and £75,000 was received in July 1988 for the pilot project. A steering group was established with representatives from the Health Board and Development Association.
It was later decided to seek more funding for an expanded project. A £50,000 capital and £20,000 annual revenue grant for three years from the National Lottery was approved. This was followed by the appointment of a co-ordinator, Margaret Fingle to, who has since left, and architect Frank Lewis.
In October 2000 Justice Minister John O’Donoghue announced £240 million for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme and in November a business plan was submitted to Area Development Management for an expanded facility with more funding.
Ms Brickley recalled that in March 2001 a full funding application was submitted proposing the construction of a childcare centre to cater for up to 70 children with a manager, 11 childcare staff, a housekeeper and administrator. Planning permission was granted last April.
She outlined that the €1.4million announced by John O’Donoghue in January would be used to provide a community based inclusive and affordable facility. It would also be a quality training centre for childcare professionals.
Architect Frank Lewis said the design philosophy was to provide a child-centred secure facility with natural light and ventilation. He explained that the building would come down in scale as part of the child friendly philosophy and the ethos was to develop confidence in children to explore their environment in a multi-sensory way.
Mr Lewis outlined that the building would cover 630 square metres over two floors and would have full access for the disabled. The centre would provide a stimulating, safe and enjoyable facility for children which would have the confidence of their parents.
Bridie Dunne, speaking on behalf of John Dunne of the MDA said he looked forward to getting building work underway and seeing a first class centre open next January. The project would provide opportunities for the development of children and the betterment of family life in the area.
Liam O’Callaghan, General Manager of Community Care with the Health Board in Laois/Offaly, extended thanks to everyone who had played a part in achieving the funding and making the project a reality.
The development of the childcare centre was very much in keeping with the Board’s child care strategy which emphasised the need to value our children, provide for their needs and protect their rights. It was also in keeping with the Board’s human resource strategy which identified the provision of childcare facilities as one of the key elements in attracting and retaining staff to work in hospitals and communities.
"Large organisations like health boards are still in the learning phase when it comes to working in partnership with non-statutory organisations. We like being partners when we are the biggest partner and when we hold the purse strings. This was not the partnership arrangement with the MDA. We have learned very quickly the meaning of partnership and this has been a good experience for us" said Mr O’Callaghan.
Former MDA manager, Julie Scully wished the project well. She said it would be exciting to finally have a quality and affordable child care community facility and she expressed the hope that the Health Board would work to provide similar centres in other parts of the Midlands. "The significance of the project is far reaching" she commented.
