The funding is aimed at helping the groups meet increases in costs and services over the past year

Nationally, close to one million euro was used by county councils for the initiative.

Work to improve the route between the two county towns has been delayed now for several years

Senator Carrigy raised the matter in the Seanad this week.

AIM level 5 provides funding to pre-school providers towards the cost of minor building alterations or the installation of specialist equipment or appliances, which may be required depending on an individual child’s needs.

The Ballaghaderreen Town Development works received the highest local funding at one million euro.

Families requiring the service in the South Leitrim region have been forced to travel to North Leitrim or out of the county to access the vital support.

The community recognition fund is an initiative to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.