Raphoe Community Playgroup vow to fight to stay open amid defective blocks damage

Raphoe Community Playgroup has vowed to fight in a bid to not to let their facility close, having learned they cannot reopen due to damage being caused by defective blocks.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to raise money for the playgroup, who are unable to join the redress scheme due to the fact they are classified as a commercial building.

“We are a Community-based Playgroup in operation since 1982,” they posted on iDonate, Save Raphoe Community Playgroup, which you can donate to here. “Thousands of children and their families have availed of our service over the years. In 2009, we were the first group in Donegal to be awarded a Quality Assurance Award. Together with our committees, we fundraised over the years and in 2000 were delighted to move into our beautiful new building.

“Unfortunately, the building we fought hard for has been tested for defective blocks. Following a meeting on Saturday, March 9, with the engineer we were given the devastating news that, in his expert opinion, we will not be able to reopen in September and after our closure in June the building will be condemned.

"We are unable to join any redress scheme as we are classed as a commercial building. As of yet, we are unable to source any funding from any government body but we will not allow our playgroup to close.

“The children in our community have a right to an education and in their own locality. To this end we are asking you to donate as generously as possible, to enable us to rebuild our Playgroup which has been at the heart of this community for over 40 years.”