Funding approved for eleven parent and toddler groups in Tipperary

Parent and toddler groups in Tipperary have been awarded €11,100 in grant funding.

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman made the announcement today, which will help 11 groups across the Premier County. 

Silver Arch groups in Borrisoleigh, Borrisokane, Ballina, Thurles, Newport and Nenagh received €1,100 each.

Groups in Glengoole and Lattin Cullen were allocated €800 each, with a group in Spafield approved for €700.

Finally Carrick-on Suir and Killea were approved for €1,100 each.

A spokesperson from the Department told Tipperarylive that the groups were important for the communities they support.

"The annual Parent and Toddler grant recognises that Parent and Toddler Groups are providing informal support to parents, grandparents and childminders, as well as to young children. These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents and families new to an area."

This year there were two strands of funding available.

One was for traditional parent and toddler groups while the second was for buggy walking groups.

"All eleven successful recipients in Tipperary received funding for parent and toddler groups. In addition, the funding for eight groups (Silver Arch Borrisoleigh, Silver Arch Borrisokane, Silver Arch Ballina, Silver Arch Thurles, Silver Arch Newport, Silver Arch Nenagh, Killea and Carrick on Suir) includes support for buggy walking groups," said the spokesperson. 

The Parent and Toddler Grant Initiative provides money for a range of group needs, including, toys, equipment, storage, training, leaflets and activities. 

Limited funding is available for insurance or rent.  

NATIONAL

370 Parent and Toddler Groups across the country received grants in today's announcement. 

€250,000 was allocated for groups this year.

However, due to a high demand, the Minister increased the funding by an additional €100,000.

City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) work directly with Parent and Toddler Groups in the administration of the grants.

This year, the emphasis was on supporting Parent and Toddler Groups that offer a welcome to families who are newly arrived in Ireland and particularly to families from Ukraine.