Heartbreak after planning application for Ballincollig creche refused

A CHILDCARE provider who was refused a second planning application for a creche in one of Cork’s largest towns has said she is “heartbroken” for the almost 400 parents who are on a waiting list for the proposed facility.

Childcare provider Múin said it is considering an appeal of the decision by Cork City Council to refuse planning for its proposed new 96-space creche in the Westpoint Business Park, Ballincollig.

Múin currently runs an afterschool facility in Ballincollig’s Castle West Shopping Centre, and plans to open a part-time pre-school in Carrigaline in September.

Heartbroken

Kate Gaffney, co-owner of Múin, told The Echo she was heartbroken for parents who had expressed an interest in sending their children to the new creche.

“We have 380 parents on a waiting list because Ballincollig is on its knees for childcare,” said Ms Gaffney.

“Truthfully, you could build six creches in Ballincollig and you still wouldn’t meet the demand for childcare there.”

Múin’s second application had been refused because of concerns about “conflicting uses, safe pedestrian and cycling movements to access the site, and potential noise disturbance for adjoining units” and “a poor outdoor play environment for children”.

Insulting

Sinn Féin local election candidate in Cork City South West, Joe Lynch, described the decision as “downright insulting to families” who are struggling to access adequate childcare places. 

“Workers and families in Ballincollig need to know the council have their backs and is working to facilitate the delivery of local services."

Laura Harmon, Labour candidate for Cork City South West, said she could not fathom why planning had been refused “when there were no objections lodged in relation to it and when there are 380 on the waiting list”.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said: “This application is now within the appeals period, so it would not be appropriate for the planning authority to comment.”