A state-of-the-art creche in Gortahork is due to close this morning for the last time.
An Scoil Bheag opened its doors just ten years ago following a €1m grant from the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme. An Scoil Bheag provided affordable childcare for adults completing Donegal ETB courses in the area.
Donegal ETB has cited a lack of demand as the reason for the closure. Recent legislation such as the Affordable Childcare Scheme has led to a reduction in demand for Donegal ETB creche places.
Donegal ETB have said that “no final decision” has been made on three other Donegal ETB creches in the county; Buncrana, Milford and Letterkenny.
In a statement to Donegal Daily, Donegal ETB said: “Donegal ETB is currently reviewing the crèche provision attached to its Further Education and Training service.
“Recent legislative changes have resulted in increased numbers of crèche places being made available more widely across the county, leading to a reduction in demand for ETB crèche places.
“Regretfully, the crèche attached to the Gort a’ Choirce ETB Further Education and Training Centre will close on 17 November 2017 but no final decision has been reached as yet regarding the future of the crèches in Buncrana, Milford and Letterkenny.”
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