One of the Mid West Region's largest community crèches has been officially opened in Ennis, Co Clare.

Operated by the Clare Family Resource Centre, the €1.5m state-of-the-art facility provides part/full time day care and sessional places for up to 85 children aged 4 months to 9 years.

Maureen Keane, Manager, Clare Family Resource Centre, said: "The population of Ennis has increased greatly over the past decade with further significant increases predicted over the coming years.

"Therefore, it is necessary to upgrade the town’s existing infrastructure, including the provision of additional childcare places."

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Located on the Watery Road on a site purchased from the local authority in 2007, the 5,000 square foot centre is covered under the Government's Community Childcare Subvention Scheme.

The crèche, constructed by K & D Whelan Construction Limited of Newhall, features a range of childcare facilities including a Baby Room, a Multi Sensory Room for children with special needs, Waddler Room, Toddler Room, Montessori Room and Hi Scope Room.

The crèche is also complemented by a large outside play area.

Peter Sheehy, CFRC Board Chairperson, said: "The board are delighted that all the hard work over the last two years has culminated in a purpose built, state-of-the-art facility for families in Clare."

CFRC is funded and supported by various organisations including the Office of the Minister for Children, Pobal, Clare County Childcare Committee, HSE and FAS.

The Office of the Minister for Children has provided funding of €1m for the new centre.

(PR/JM)