€2m invested in resource centre

OVER €2 million has been invested in the provision of a variety of community facilities at the West Clare Resource Centre in Miltown Malbay since 1993, Mayor of Clare, Christy Curtin has revealed.
Councillor Curtin believes the success of the resource centre supports the retention of Clare Vocational Education Committee, considering all the support the VEC provided the local committee since its inception.
Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe has proposed that Clare VEC should amalgamate with North Tipperary VEC as part of a controversial reorganisation of the whole VEC sector.
However, this amalgamation is being opposed by Councillor Curtin, who stressed that Clare is well served by Clare VEC in its current form and warned that local initiatives such as the resource centre could suffer in any new unit involving two counties.
He invited Minister O’Keeffe to visit the resource centre to see what could be achieved when Clare VEC, Clare County Council and other bodies worked in co-operation with a local group.
“I believe we are providing a wide range of services here on a very cost-effective basis. Clare VEC never put any obstacle in our way and were very supportive from the start of our project,” he said.
The October meeting of Clare VEC was held in the SPRAOI childcare facility on the grounds of the West Clare Resource Centre last Thursday.
Members and officials were welcomed by Councillor Curtin, who invited them to sample refreshments provided by the committee following the presentation of certificates to BTEI students after the meeting.
The closure of the vocational school in Miltown Malbay in 1986 proved to be the end of an era for vocational education in the town but facilitated a new beginning for the provision of community facilities under the one roof.
This one-stop shop concept was driven by a hard-working committee led by Councillor Curtin and the late Michael Mahoney.
Over the past 15 years, the centre has become a valuable resource for the community. It now accommodates the local branch library and the VEC Youthreach programme.
ClareCare offers care of the elderly while the Health Service Executive (HSE) had dental and a range of other services at the building.
Facilities include a state-of-the-art kitchen and a computer room offering information technology courses to the community.
Horticulture and gardening courses are also offered in the extensive garden to the rear of the centre. BTEI and community education is also offered at the centre, which is now run by a company limited by guarantee.
SPRAOI Miltown Malbay and District Community Playgroup Limited was first founded in 1999 by a local parents group who saw the need in West Clare for a playgroup. However, the demand for a bigger childcare facility offering more services in the area became evident.
The idea went from strength to strength with the help and support of various organisations, in particular Clare VEC, who provided such a suitable site on the ground of the resource centre.
SPRAOI was officially opened by President Mary McAleese on September 15, 2008. It now caters for children from four months to 12 years, offering a wide range of services including creche, toddler group, pre-school, montessori, after-school care and parent and toddler group.
Outside agencies are also welcome to use this facility. Nine staff from the locality, who are all qualified in the area of childcare, are employed at the centre, four or whom are full-time and five are part-time.
According to a statement issued by the group, it provides and strives for a high standard of quality and affordable childcare for all their families.
“The group provide a safe, warm stimulating and age-appropriate environment, where all children are nurtured and encouraged to learn, grow and explore the world around them, thus catering for each individual need,” the group stated.