The Corkman

MINISTER OPENS NEW ROOMS AT BANTEER CHILDCARE FACILITY

- SHEILA FITZGERALD

LAST Saturday, Banteer Community Childcare celebrated a decade in business and officially opened two new classrooms which further enhance this state of the art facility which has grown exponentia­lly since it first opened in 2007.

Minister Michael Creed officially opened the new classrooms and said that it was a privilege to be present to witness this achievemen­t. “I’m really happy to be with you to celebrate a wonderful community day in Banteer. Celebratin­g 10 years of the childcare facilities here is a tremendous milestone and I have no doubt this is just a milestone on a journey,” the minister said.

“Hopefully, we can assist in the further developmen­t of the facilities in Banteer. 240 children are cared for here and it is a testament to the profession­alism of all the staff that this facility is thriving and growing,” he added.

Patrick Buckley outlined the history of the créche which first opened in 2007 in the local community centre and Denis Withers paid tribute to all the contractor­s who constructe­d the two fine new units in just three weeks flat.

Manager Mary Murphy welcomed everyone and said that she and her staff have the most beautiful children attending. “They are a credit to their parents,” she said.

She went on to thank her colleagues for their contributi­ons to the success of the centre. “It’s great to see them so interested in the children’s well being and developmen­t,” she added.

Mary also paid tribute to board members who she described as being extremely supportive and helpful.

Fr. Winter PP blessed the new rooms, and a commemorat­ive plaque was unveiled by Aoife O’Connor, who was the first child in the créche 10 years ago. Manager Mary Murphy was accompanie­d on a tour of the facility by Minister Michael Creed, Michael Moynihan TD, Councillor Gearóid Murphy, and board members.

 ??  ?? Fr. Winter PP blessing the new Classrooms assisted by James Murphy (Board Chairman).
Fr. Winter PP blessing the new Classrooms assisted by James Murphy (Board Chairman).

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