Two Offaly childcare providers get five-figure grants for energy upgrades

Two childcare providers in Offaly have been awarded grants totalling nearly €140,000 for green energy upgrades of their facilities.

Grovelands Childcare facility in Tullamore is to receive a grant of €63,877, while the Birr-based Little Haven Childcare will benefit from funding of €75,000,

The money is set to be used for retrofitting and other energy improvements. It's part of a nationwide allocation of €9 million for 141 early learning and childcare services under the 'Building Blocks - Improvement Grant' scheme.

The grant funding was today welcomed by Offaly Minister of State Pippa Hackett.

"Fantastic news this morning that two early childcare providers in Offaly are receiving almost €140,000 towards green energy upgrades to their facilities," she said.

She added that the funding was "a direct result of Green Party participation in Government," saying it would "benefit the children and staff directly" with a more comfortable environment and lower energy bills.

The two Offaly childcare providers were awarded funding under the Green Energy funding strand of the scheme.

Their grants can be used for a range of energy efficiency works, including ventilation improvements, solar panel installation, heat pumps, water conservation measures, efficient heat generators, insulation and dry lining, boiler upgrades, and electrical vehicle charging points for staff.