New 1.2 Million Euro Upperchurch Childcare Centre Officially Opened
The long awaited opening of the new Upperchurch Childcare Centre was held on Sunday November 15th. A large crowd of locals, dignitaries and invited guests was on hand to witness the tape being cut by two local ladies and village residents, Niamh Kinnane, secretary of the Upperchurch-Drombane Development Association, and Margaret Ryan, secretary of the childcare company. The building was blessed by Fr. Loughlin Brennan, C.C. Upperchurch-Drombane.
Following preliminary surveys in 2003 and 2004 which identified the need for such a facility to cater for a catchment area extending well outside the parish, initial funding of 850,000 euro was allocated in March, 2005 for a facility based on developing the old school in the village. As time went on, however, the childcare committee decided that the size and location of the old school were not satisfactory. Exhaustive attempts to procure an alternative site again delayed progress until the eventual site beside the community centre was acquired.
The initial grant was subsequently increased to 1.2 million euro as costs rose nationally. After the obligatory tendering process the contract was awarded to Joe Clancy Builders, Upperchurch and John Gallagher Architects, Dublin with Gareth McHugh Templemore Quantity Surveyor. The standard of workmanship and finish is a credit to all concerned. The facility can cater for up to 71 children aged from six months to twelve years.
Those attending were shown around the building prior to the official opening. Following the cutting of the tape, there were speeches from Máire Hoctor, T.D. and Michael Lowry, T.D. Noel Coonan, T.D. was unavoidably absent as he was abroad on business. A special presentation was made to Sarah Brennan who had been the first child to enter the facility.
All present were then treated to refreshments in the nearby community centre where they heard contributions from local committee members Michael Greene, Pat Buckley and Con Ryan, North Tipp Childcare Co-ordinator Aileen Healy and from former Minister Michael Smith, all of whom were involved in progressing the project. The gathering was also addressed by the Lord Mayor of North Tipperary County Council Mr. Denis Ryan M.C.C.
The long list of speakers was completed by Willie Kennedy, former M.C.C. and Billy Clancy, M.C.C. Councillors Seamus Hanafin and Micheál Lowry also attended. Further details, including photographs, are on the website www.upperchurch.ie and a video of the days events will be available shortly which will include on the spot interviews with local residents and visitors. Enquiries from parents wishing to avail of the facility are welcome telephone 0504 54965.