Childcare groups urged to apply for support payments

CHILDCARE and early learning groups across north Cork have been urged to ensure they do not miss out on a funding windfall under the Programme Support Payment initiative.

Cork East Fianna Fáil TD Kevin O’Keeffe has also urged Cork County Council to make sure they submit applications under the Capital Grants Scheme for play and recreation to build and upgrade playgrounds across the county.

“The Programme Support Payment is particularly important for early learning and childcare facilities as it provides funding for these organisations to ensure that they can carry out all of their paper and administrative work. This can include anything from purchasing early learning materials to spending time with parents to help them apply for various State schemes,” said Deputy O’Keeffe.

“At a time when childcare and early learning providers are coming under huge financial pressure with rising insurance and operating costs, this funding can go some way to alleviating the strain,” he added.

Deputy O’Keeffe urged bodies to star preparing their submissions now and to get their applications in before the June 21 deadline.

For more information about the initiative, visit www.dcya.ie.

“I am also calling on Cork County Council to make sure that it applies for funding under the Capital Grant Scheme for play and recreation so that it can roll out more facilities for children across the county,” said Deputy O’Keeffe.

“Funding up to €30,000 is now available, and that money would go a long way to improving playgrounds across Cork,” he added.