Daycare project to begin by end of year

THE first phase of the Cuan an Chláir housing and daycare centre project for Ennis is anticipated to begin by the end of this year.

Mary O’Sullivan from Cuan an Chláir confirmed this week, “We hope to start the project by the end of 2012.”

She was speaking ahead of this weekend’s run, jog or walk of Ennis bypass in aid of the project. She is urging people to put their best foot forward and come along on the day and get involved in the fundraising effort.

The event will start at 11am from St Flannan’s College grounds on Saturday, with registration at 10.30am. Mary explained, “This will be a fun event for all of the family to get involved. People can do it at their own pace. They can either run, jog or walk and there is a choice of doing four, six or eight kilometres. This is something anyone can do; mothers can bring their kids in buggies and take part. The whole family can take part.”

People can register on the day or online at www.cuan.ie. Campaigners for the centre have been busy putting up flyers and posters throughout the town and Mary is hoping it will be a big success.

The event will be started by Clare U-21s joint manager Gerry O’Connor.

“After the run, jog or walk those taking part will be invited to tea afterwards. Cuan an Chláir really is a fantastic project that will be of enormous benefit to our community.

“It is particularly apt that this fundraising event takes place during Positive Ageing Week, a festival that highlights the positive aspects of ageing and celebrates the contribution older people have made and continue to make to their communities.”

So far, more than €430,000 has been raised through a series of fundraising events for Cuan an Chláir. The Diocese of Killaloe allocated 15.5 acres of land adjacent to Cahercalla Hospital to provide services to the older people of Ennis.

Phase one of Cuan an Chláir includes the development of a daycare centre to cater for 60 people daily and the construction of 12 individual houses.

The development of phase one of Cuan an Cláir will cost in the region of €2 million. Phase two will see the conversion of the old farmyard buildings adjacent to Cahercalla Hospital to provide a café, meeting rooms, a garden and other facilities.

It is estimated that delivery of phase two will cost in the region of €1.5m. The 12 units will be allocated to a mix of married couples, single and widowed people.

Donations to the fund can be made through the Bank of Ireland, Bank Place, Ennis. Sort code 90-42-10, account number 78791697, name, Cuan an Chláir.