Funding boost for Mayo parent and toddler groups

Mayo TD and chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality Keira Keogh has welcomed news that 22 Parent and Toddler Groups across Mayo will benefit from a funding package worth €22,500.

The Westport-based representative said: “These Parent and Toddler Groups are a lifeline for families, especially new parents or those new to our communities, offering vital social support and a chance to build strong early childhood connections in a welcoming, inclusive environment.”

The grants will be used for a wide range of supports including toys, books, snacks, arts and crafts materials, and even training such as paediatric first aid or parenting courses and also buggy walking groups.

The grants are being distributed locally through Mayo County Childcare Committee, who Deputy Keogh has been working closely with to try and solve the early childcare crisis facing parents.

With €800 available for existing groups, €1,000 for new groups, and an additional €300 available for those running buggy walking groups, Deputy Keogh thanked all who helped with these applications and acknowledged the hard work being done by the Mayo County Childcare Committee and the parent and toddler groups across the county.

She continued: “It’s heartening to see this scheme grow every year, with more groups forming and expanding.

"As chair of the Children’s Committee, I will continue to advocate for community-based supports of this kind as these groups bring people together at a time in life when support really matters. ”

This funding is part of a national allocation of €421,618 to support 461 Parent and Toddler Groups under the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2025, which falls under the Government’s First 5 Strategy for babies, young children, and their families.