Hopes for future of northside childcare facility but reopening this year 'looks highly unlikely'

Hope continues that the facility formerly known as the Before 5 Family Centre on the northside of Cork city might secure Government funding to reopen.

The childcare facility closed in August 2023, citing reasons for the decision including “financial challenges, changes in regulations, operational challenges, and recruitment issues”.

Following this closure, Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) explored the possibility of resuming a childcare service at the location. NCE’s vision, in a proposal to several ministers made earlier this year, is to provide “high-quality childcare for families in the area on a full day care basis as well as adult disability service, play therapy, and adult education”.

It said it is willing to invest in the project “but cannot cover all the costs alone”.

In July this year, as reported by The Echo, NCE resubmitted a proposal to Pobal for funding.

In an email updating local politicians this week, NCE said it been “working diligently” to get “adequate and updated costings together” for the quantity surveyor appointed by Pobal overseeing its funding proposal.

“NCE is very hopeful this funding will be provided to get the facility open to the community and especially the children in the area. We have done our due diligence at this stage and continue to spend our money to keep security, maintenance operational in the building, with the hope of becoming a long term tenant once funds are approved,” the email stated.

NCE said it has “no timeframe” in relation to when a decision on whether state funding might be granted and, as a result, can give no indication of when the facility might open.

“The proposed works will take an estimated three to six months, therefore the opening of this facility in 2024 looks highly unlikely,” it added.

Fianna Fáil councillor in the city’s North West ward Tony Fitzgerald commended the work done by NCE to date.

“I want to compliment the staff and board of management of NCE and to the staff of Cork City Childcare Committee for the detailed work that they have undertaken to prepare a proposal and plan to comply with regulations with a view to reopening the centre,” he said.

“I understand now that the matter rests with Mr O’Gorman, the minister for children, and I know he has taken a very keen interest in the centre and its needs. I would urge him to examine the detailed proposal and grant aid [to] NCE to reopen the centre as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said the minister is “aware of the issues facing Northside Community Enterprises, and of the funding that they require to support the reopening of the Before 5 Family Centre”.

“The minister is looking at what possible solutions can be found to support Northside Community Enterprises with reopening this vital service.

“Additionally, both Pobal and the local Childcare Committee are engaging with, and offering support to, Northside Community Enterprises on behalf of the Department in this regard,” the spokesperson continued.