A candidate in the forthcoming local elections says the closure of Raphoe Community Playgroup due to the presence of defective blocks in its building will be devastating for the local community in Raphoe.
It emerged this week that the playgroup building is to be condemned in June and management say the playgroup, which has been in existence for over 40 years, will have to close unless funds are made available to allow them rebuild.
Tony McDaid, who is an election candidate for the Lifford-Stranorlar Local Electoral Area, said the community needs to rally together to ensure the service continues to be provided to the people of Raphoe.
Mr. McDaid, who is a former Sinn Féin councillor, worked in community development/family support in Raphoe for almost 20-years.
“Management of the playgroup were aware for some years now of the presence of defective blocks in the building,” he said.
“But the news that the building has deteriorated to such an extent that it will no longer be safe after June has still come as a shock.
“This is a building that was funded through fundraising and the EU Special Programmes Body for Peace and Reconciliation in the year 2000 and the service itself has provided a fantastic service to the people of Raphoe.
“I remember the excitement of parents and the staff of the playgroup when they received confirmation that funding was secured for a new build.
“It is shocking that they are now in such a situation through no fault of their own.
“The Playgroup started in humble beginnings in a prefab beside the old Health Centre with a small number of children and has developed into a state of the art and purpose built centre catering for 50 families.
“The community now have to rally round and I’m delighted to hear that a campaign has been launched to raise money to help. Having worked in community development and family support in Raphoe for almost 20 years I know the community and I know they will pull together at this time to help.
“However, more needs to be done and I have contacted Deputy Pearse Doherty to request him to raise this issue with government. The playgroup doesn’t have access to the defective block redress scheme and no provision has been made by government for such a situation.
“I will also be looking to see what the council can do to help.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)