Social Inclusion and Childcare Priority

The social inclusion and childcare sub-programme was developed in order to promote equality and in particular facilitate greater participation of women in the workplace and business through the provision of additional childcare facilities, and the achievement of equal opportunities generally. It also sought to further the development of vibrant and sustainable families and communities.

Highlights of the Sub-Programme

Funding of €82.8m under this priority provided for the creation of an additional 14,229 childcare places in the BMW Region with 244 new facilities established and 480 facilities upgraded. Staffing grants supported 1,215 childcare workers, in disadvantaged areas.

The ESF childcare quality improvement programme supported the establishment of the County Childcare Committees and the activities of National Voluntary Childcare Organisations to provide training and other supports and services to the growing childcare sector in Ireland.

The equality for women measure provided €4.1m in support of 28 projects throughout the BMW Region including pilot projects on equality proofing of County Development Strategies by the County Development Boards.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs supported 49 community development resource centres in the Region investing a total of €3.3m in these centres.

Expenditure of over €103m has been expended by area partnership companies on the provision of supports to disadvantaged groups, including services to 57,716 unemployed people over the lifetime of the programme.