Galway County Council has given the green light for the construction of a new playschool in Clifden.
The planning application by Clifden Community Play-School Ltd is for the construction of a playschool on the grounds of Scoil Mhuire.
This is meant to replace the existing premises which have been in operation since 1992, and are no longer suitable according to the planning documents.
Planning permission was granted by the county council with 10 standard conditions attached, several of which were related to the management of traffic on sight.
The car parking layout for the site must include a properly demarcated set-down area, while also maintaining circulation of traffic.
There has been very strong local support for the project, with 14 letters of support submitted by local organisations, and no objections to the plans.
The Galway Childcare Committee’s letter stated that allowing this playschool on the grounds of Scoil Mhuire will, “reap ongoing benefits in terms of continuity of relationships for families, will ease transitions for children between settings, and will enable the creation of more places for families to avail of in early years services.
The Racecourse Lawns Residents Association said that over half of their homeowners are families with school aged children who would benefit from this development.
“The proposed plans for the new community playschool offer an exciting and much needed opportunity to provide a modern early years childcare facility plus wrap around services for school aged children in Clifden and surrounding areas.”
The Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire said that the school “fully supports” the application by the Community Playschool to move onto their grounds.
Forum Connemara, a local development company aimed at tackling rural decline, wrote that they “wholeheartedly endorse” the planning application.
“This project will allow Clifden Community Playschool to broaden their support services to families with small children by facilitating parents in their working lives and giving access to Early Years Education for their students.”
Other letters were also received from the Archdiocese of Tuam, Children’s Disability Network Team in Spiddal, Clifden Town Hall, and more.
