The first sod has been turned at the site of a new €2.5m Cavan children's health centre.

TD Brendan Smith marked the start of works at the Children's Services Centre in Rathcorrick, which has been backed by Enable Ireland and the HSE, and is supported by Pobal.

This state-of-the-art building will provide a range of services and supports to children with disabilities and their families in the Cavan area.

Over 360 children and families annually will be able to access services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, social work, pediatrics and nursing.

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Based at the new centre, the Enable Ireland Early Services Team will provide services for children up to six years old, and the HSE Child Development Team will provide services for children aged six and over, providing a one stop shop approach for all children and their families.

Mary Fox, Director of Services in the North East, said: "This is a great day for all the families who come to this service in Cavan, and for all the hard working staff based here. We're looking forward to getting started."

The estimated cost of the building, including fit-out, is €2.5m.

Around €1.25m was obtained through Dormant Accounts and a further €1.25m will be paid for by Enable Ireland from a variety of fundraising initiatives. The site was purchased with funding secured from the HSE.

C.J. Falconer & Associates are the appointed architects for the building and contracts are now being drawn up with McGurran Construction who were the lowest tender.

The building will commence next month, with completion due in spring 2010.

(PR/JM)