Michael Ring T.D., the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has confirmed that funding in the amount of €169,152 has been allocated for a new building for Naíonra na hEachléime in Eachléim.
The naíonra, which is an Irish language pre-school, is located beside the local national school, Scoil Bhreandáin.
Minister Ring said: "I’m delighted to confirm this funding which will provide a first class facility for the community in Eachléim.
"The naíonra is an excellent pre-school facility for the community and also hosts a breakfast club, an after-school service and a mother and toddler group. As such, it is a vitally important place for children of all ages in the area and their parents.
"These services are currently run from an old prefab building so this investment will provide for a vastly improved learning and working environment.
"From having seven children when the naíonra opened its doors in 2012, there are 17 children enrolled for the next school year, reflecting an increase in young families moving back home to raise their children in the Gaeltacht community.
"This is a really welcome development and is something the Government is keen to support. I’m glad to have been able to play a role in supporting the delivery of this funding. I commend my colleague Sean Kyne, the Minister for the Gaeltacht, for his support of this project through his Department’s Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga programme."
This announcement follows on recent Government investment in the area, including the allocation last month of €112,500 for the provision of a new crane and for safety improvement works at Blacksod Pier.
Minister Ring also highlighted the landmark investment through his Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in Áras Scéalta an Atlantaigh, a visitor Centre and tourism Hub for Eachléim, which was announced last year. The hub, for which Minister Ring allocated €1,879,350, will act as an orientation point for visitors to learn about the cultural and natural heritage attractions in the area, including Blacksod Lighthouse, and provide tourism incubation space and support the development of craft enterprises. Councillor Gerry Coyle has welcomed this funding announcement for Naíonra na hEachléime and had lobbied strongly for it.
