Westmeath parent and toddler groups to receive funding

The fourteen parent and toddler groups across Westmeath set to benefit from over €12,700 in funding have been named.

The funding is being provided under the 2025 Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative and will help cover the cost of toys, equipment, books, children’s snacks and refreshments, as well as arts and crafts, music activities, cleaning supplies, and even insurance and rent in some cases.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said: “These grants will directly support 14 local parent and toddler groups, from Delvin and Ballinahown to Athlone and Mullingar, helping them continue to offer safe, welcoming spaces for parents or childminders to connect, and for toddlers to play and learn together.”

The following groups in Westmeath are set to receive funding:

Delvin Parent Toddler Group - €1,000

Presentation Senior School - €300

Castlepollard Community PT Group - €1,300

Glasson Tubberclair PT Group - €970

Barnardos - €1,000

Áras an Mhuilinn Irish Speaking PT Group - €1,300

Bunbrosna PT Group - €1,300

Collinstown PT Group - €800

WCD Baby Café Athlone - €778

WCD Baby Café Mullingar - €800

WCD PT Group Mullingar - €800

Killucan PT Group - €800

Oodles & Doodles - €800

Ballinahown PT Group - €800

The scheme, which is part of First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children, and their Families, is managed locally by Westmeath County Childcare Committee and has seen a total of €421,618 allocated to 461 groups nationwide this year – an increase of 66 groups on last year.