Kfm Has Learnt Sensational Kids Will Submit €5M Bid To HSE For Long-Delayed Child Development Centre

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 09:53

By Martin Osborne

The long-delayed building in Kildare Town

Sensational Kids has been working for several months on a business case.

A glimmer of hope is on the horizon for the half-built child development centre planned by Sensational Kids in Kildare Town.

The unfinished building in Kildare Town

Kfm has learnt that the charity is submitting a preliminary business case to the HSE next week, following a board meeting on Monday, in a bid to unlock €5 million in government funding needed to complete the project.

The funding shortfall had stalled construction of the 17,000-square-foot centre, which promises to transform therapy and assessment services for children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Down syndrome, and other developmental needs.

Sensational Kids has been working for several months on the business case.

It's understood that the HSE has assured the charity that the proposal will be reviewed quickly.

Once funded, the facility aims to support hundreds of children through essential therapy and assessment services.

If funding is approved, the building could be up and running within a year.

Separately, Sensational Kids has been awarded a grant of €30,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund.

It will be used to update gym equipment and install reverse vending machines.

The County Kildare Community Network Company will receive €60,000 to fund the building upgrade and enhancement works to create a 'Paint Reuse Hub'.

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