THE Tánaiste has been called on to step in and help secure funding to rebuild Raphoe Community Playgroup.
The playgroup, a community-based childcare service, was forced to vacate its building last year after it was condemned due to the presence of defective concrete blocks.
They are currently operating from a building deemed unfit for purpose.
Donegal TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Finance, Deputy Pearse Doherty, yesterday raised with the Tánaiste.
“Tánaiste, I’ve raised the issue of Raphoe Community Playgroup a number of times last year,” Deputy Doherty said.
“I had commitments from the Minister that funding would be available.
“You met yourself with the group.
“We were told that funding would be made available.
“They applied for the funding that they were told to apply for and now they have not been granted it.
“They have written to you, and you’ve responded that they don’t own the land and that the council does.”
Deputy Doherty said despite the fact the playgroup have a 22-year lease, they can’t rebuild their community group.
“Why is this important? This is a community group that was funded by EU and fundraising money,” Deputy Doherty continued.
“It has got defective blocks. It is condemned.
“They are currently in another building that isn’t fit for purpose.
“They have to take the tables and chairs and put them in a shed every single evening.”
Deputy Doherty said this is not acceptable.
“This was not a thing of their making,” he said.
“Defective blocks got onto the market because of lack of regulation during successive governments and now the funding that they were told would be there to help them rebuild their premises has been refused.
“How many times do we have to raise this?
“You’ve pledged about community childcare facilities. There is a serious issue in terms of childcare.
“This community group tells us that they will not be able to function next year unless they get the funding to rebuild the playgroup.
“So, can I ask you, can you please intervene? Knock some heads together and give this group the money that they need to build their community playgroup.
“To rebuild their playgroup that is falling apart because of defective blocks.”
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