Childcare centre for Parkside

SMILING FACES Cllr Willie Nolan, Michael Marley, chairperson of the Haven, Minister Brendan Smith, Cllr Annie Mae Reape, Cllr Eddie Staunton, Cllr Michelle Mulherin and Dara Calleary TD, were in attendance at the opening of the Haven Childcare Centre in Ballina. Pic: John O’Grady

Childcare centre sparks rejuvenation in Parkside area

Emer Gallagher

A DEFINITE atmosphere of community spirit permeated the air in Ballina last Thursday night, as the official launch of the Haven Community Childcare Centre took place.
And the success of the centre to date has sparked a rejuvenation in the oft-neglected Parkside area of Ballina, according to those involved.
The state-of-the-art centre was the brainchild of the Parkside Community Development Project group. Mr Michael Marley, Chairman of the Haven Centre, admitted to a healthy dose of scepticism when approached about the development of the centre. Mr Marley said the myriad of problems involved in the project had to be experienced to be believed and thanked all those involved who shouldered an enormous burden and saw the project through to fruition.
“We have been established for over a year and we have already established a reputation for a high quality service with attention to detail. We have become a byword for quality childcare in the area,” said Mr Marley.
The site for the centre was provided by Ballina Town Council and Town Mayor, Cllr Padraig Moore, said the centre was a testament to the ongoing community spirit in the area.
“Over a period of time – and I think the Council have been guilty of this in the past – the area had been abused and left without facilities,” said Cllr Moore.
“The centre is geared at disadvantaged people from all areas of the town and the centre already has a record of excellence in the town.”
Majella Gibbons spoke on behalf of Jim Power, a former Project Co-ordinator with the Parkside Community Development Project and now a childcare co-ordinator with Mayo County Childcare Committee. Mr Power had a special word of thanks and gratification for Michael Marley. Mr Marley was described as a brilliant community activist who has dedicated his working life to community development. “Michael stands out for his hard work, intelligence and common sense,” said Mr Power.
“The service is a beacon of hope to other communities who rise to the challenge. Many people had written off the area but they didn’t give in to the negativity. It is the first childcare centre to receive in excess of €1 million. They didn’t wait for help and took it upon themselves to seek funding and better their area,” said Mr Power.
The aim of the centre is to provide affordable, high quality childcare, based on the individual needs of every child. To show the progression of each child in the centre they have aptly named each room in the centre after the life cycle of the salmon, an identifying symbol for the town of Ballina due to the world famous River Moy.
The centre celebrated its first birthday on April 16 and the past year has seen the numbers attending increase from 24 children to 77 children who use the service on a daily basis. Bernie Munnelly, who lives in Rockwell, said the centre is providing excellent care for her seven-month-old son Marc. “They are great with him here and I know he is very well cared for,” said Bernie. 
Officially opening the centre, Minister for Children Brendan Smith said it was a special occasion for the town and the area, but especially for the children. He said the community should be justly proud of the centre. “Huge effort and commitment has gone into this centre. In fact the maximum grant for a centre is €1.2 million but this centre got €1.25 million!” remarked Minister Smith.
“This is a special occasion and projects like this don’t just happen. It requires leadership, diligence and commitment.”
The Minister also vowed to continue to provide further investment in the area.
Ballina TD Dara Calleary welcomed the much-needed facility for the town.
“This facility is a significant addition to the childcare sector for people living in the greater Ballina area,” said Deputy Calleary.
At the official launch of the state-of-the-art centre last week, the Parkside Community Development Project, the Mayo County Childcare Committee, Deputy Dara Calleary, Minister for Children Brendan Smith, Ballina Town Council and the HSE were all thanked for their involvement and support in the project along with the parents who use the centre.