Desperate plea to save local childcare facility

A NORTHSIDE childcare facility is pleading with the Government to provide it with emergency funding to remain open.

Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service has experienced funding cuts over the last number of years that have now placed the centre in a severe financial crisis.

With 260 children in attendance daily, most under the age of five, the service needs an immediate cash injection of

?¬200,000 to secure the centre to the end of 2014.

A further

?¬200,000 will be required annually to provide a sustainable solution for this much needed service.

The centre employs 55 core staff and 44 Community Employment, Jobs Initiative and TUS employees.

At the time of going to press, there was hope that the centre could be saved when newly appointed Minister for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, issued a statement to Northside People outlining his keenness to find a resolution.

“Officials from my Department met on Wednesday (May 14), at my request, with representatives from the Child and Family Agency, Pobal and the local County Childcare Committee,

? said Minister Flanagan.

“Arising from this meeting early contact will be made with the board of Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd by Pobal and the Child and Family Agency, as two of the main funders of the service.

“I am keen to ensure that a resolution to the current difficulties can be found and I would hope that this process of engagement will be of assistance in this regard. The matter is being given a high priority by my Department.

?

Minister Flanagan added:

“In terms of cash flow, my Department is making payments in the order of

?¬140,000 this week to the centre under the various childcare support schemes.

?

The Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service board is appealing directly to Minister Flanagan, to take immediate action to provide funding not only for the short-term but also the long-term to ensure the centre stays open.

A spokeswoman for the centre told Northside People:

“Previous cuts in funding were partially covered through private funding, staff pay cuts and cost cutting measures but there is no more scope in these areas.

“The centre will be forced to shut its doors unless the Government intervenes immediately.

“The centre is a vital family support in an area where many families experience multiple challenges.

“Early intervention is extremely important for children in these circumstances and without the support of the centre some children are put at immediate risk of underachieve-­ ment.

“The centre acts as a crucial resource for parents, enabling them to access training, education and employment opportunities.

?

The spokeswoman said the Board and Management have advised the relevant agencies over the past few years that the cuts were unsustainable.

“Vigorous lobbying of public representatives, Government agencies and departments over the past few months has not met with success,

? she added.

Ciarán Mulhall, chairman of the Voluntary Board of Management at the centre, said it is the largest of its kind in the country and its aim is to promote the physical, emotional, social and educational wellbeing of the children.

“The closure will have a detrimental effect on the area and vulnerable children will be put at immediate risk,

? said Mr Mulhall.

“We are a feeder for three local DEIS schools in the area and the development that the children receive at the centre is vital for their progress in education.

“We are pleading with the Government for this much needed funding in order to protect the centre, its children and the jobs of our employees.

?

Michelle Curley, a parent of one of the children who attends the creche, said:

“If a facility like this closes they’ll be stuck the way they were back in the

’80s when nobody in Darndale was working.

?

Dublin Bay North TD Finian McGrath (Ind) called on Minister Flanagan to act urgently on the matter.

“These 260 children need this great service and 100 jobs are at risk,

? he said.

Cllr Larry O’Toole (SF) said:

“It’s a vital service in the community and it is unthinkable that it would close.

“I’m calling on the Department to provide the centre with the money as a matter of urgency.

?

Local TD Tommy Broughan also called for urgent intervention.

“The economic and social consequences of this centre closing would be profound and devastating for this community,

? he stated.

Dublin Bay North TD Terence Flanagan and his brother, Cllr Declan Flanagan (FG) also expressed concern.

“Many parents will be negatively impacted if funding does not become available for the centre soon,

? said Deputy Flanagan.

Dublin Bay North TD Sean Kenny (Lab) said:

“I believe that it is unacceptable that such a vital service as the Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd, that has the full support of the local agencies and public representatives, would close.

?

Senator Averil Power (FF) said it would be a

“disgrace

? if the centre was forced to close.

“The service has also been a lifeline for many parents, allowing them to avail of education and employment opportunities that they couldn’t afford to take up otherwise,

? she said.