Funding granted for delivery of early learning and childcare places in Waterford  

€198,200 in funding has been granted for a community extension, which will deliver an additional 10 early learning and childcare places in Lios na nÓg in Passage East.

The facility provides childcare for children aged two to 12 years, including full day-care, breakfast club, pre-school and after-school.

It is expected that the extension project will commence in the coming months, with the additional places possibly coming on stream towards the end of the year.

In total, 49 services nationwide have been shortlisted for funding under the scheme.

Welcoming the allocation for Waterford, Minister of State John Cummins said: “I am pleased to see Waterford included in the shortlist of these services under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme.

“Lios na nÓg in Passage East has been shortlisted for funding and these projects will deliver quality places for children in the Passage East area, which is a huge boost for families.”

Minister Cummins added that more supports are needed: “I absolutely recognise that we need to go further to support parents, educators, practitioners and providers across the early learning and childcare sector, with the focus always on ensuring positive experiences for children.

“Government will be developing an action plan to set out the important next steps that build on the very positive foundations we now have in place.”