Sunshine on a rainy day as sod turned for new childcare centre

Minister for Children, Barry Andrews, turned the sod on the Sunshine Community Childcare facility in Kells on Friday 30th October. The community-run facility on the Moynalty Road is expected to be completed next June and will cater for around 50 children aged from one to five years. The minister spoke of the importance of local people driving projects like this and he said he was delighted to be in Kells for this important event. Cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Cllr Brian Curran, thanked chairperson Pamela Strong and the entire committee for all the work that had gone in to getting the project this far. As it was a rainy day, the local scout group saved the day by bringing along their tents and serving tea and coffee to all the guests. A large number gathered for the event including local PP, Fr John Byrne; town clerk, Jarlath Flanagan; Kells area manager, Brendan McGrath; deputies Damien English and Johnny Brady, town and county councillors, local residents, parents and children from Sunshine Community Playgroup, former staff from Sunshine Corner Playgroup and members of Meath County Childcare Committee. Architect Fergal McGirl, quantity surveyor Pat Shanley and Mark Stenson of Weslin Building Contractors were also present. Sunshine Community Childcare Ltd was formed in 2005 and was granted €1.1 million in 2007 and approved for a further €100,000 last year to complete the childcare project. The main aim of the project was to provide an affordable facility for Kells children and young families. Chairperson Pamela Strong said the group was most grateful to Kells Town Council for providing a site for the centre. "We could not have proceeded without this generous gesture of support," she said. The committee consists of chairperson, Pamela Strong; treasurer, Sean Drew; secretary, Karen Donlon; Michael O'Byrne, Stephen Foley, Annette Maher, Angela Murphy, Catherine Coogan and representatives from Meath County Childcare, Helena McArdle and Liz Murtagh.