Funding sought for childcare facility at Churchfield site

Further progress has been made on the provision of childcare facilities at the site of the former Before 5 centre in Churchfield, which closed almost a year ago.

This after Northside Community Enterprises (NCE), the company working on re-opening the facility, resubmitted a proposal to Pobal for funding.

NCE has been trying to secure funding for necessary renovation works for several months.

Pobal had asked NCE to provide additional information after an initial proposal. This has now been submitted, meaning that the ball is back in the court of Pobal and the Department of Children.

NCE are prepared to provide over €100,000 to the necessary building works. A further investment of over €250,000 is required to make up the €366,000 the NCE identified earlier this year .

A spokesperson for NCE told The Echo: “NCE have resubmitted a funding proposal to Pobal on 18th of July, following on from consultation with Pobal after the initial application.

“NCE are hopeful that this proposal will ensure funding is sought from Pobal to carry out works to reopen the facility in Churchfield.

“The funding is broken up into two parts: 74% towards the childcare section of building, which we are hoping is funded by Department of Children, and the remaining 26% of the building will be used by various community groups in the area which it had been before. The department will not fund the community aspect of the facility.

“NCE will have a 10-15 year lease with the diocese if successful in funding,” the spokesperson adding: “There is no planning permission required for the works,” meaning that there will be no lengthy hold ups from objections.

The spokesperson added: “We at NCE would like to take this opportunity to thank local representatives, local TDs, Cork City Childcare as well as all in Pobal and the department who have been supportive in helping us put this proposal together.

“The management in NCE would also like to thank our board of management and staff for the continued work they do to support the people of the northside.”

Cork North Central People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry told The Echo: “I want to see a speedy reply from Pobal and the Department of Children.

“I want to see a green light for the financing of these building works. And I want to see a date both for the completion of the works and the reopening of the centre. I will keep the pressure on through the summer to make sure that these things are done.”