Minister urged to release funding for childcare centre works in Churchfield 

A northside councillor has called on Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman to release funding necessary for the renovation of childcare facilities at the former Before 5 preschool in Churchfield.

Before 5 closed suddenly in August 2023, with more than 100 children on its books and 14 employees, and it has not reopened since.

Founded over five decades ago, Before 5 had acted as an effective community centre for the surrounding areas on the northside, providing creche and after-school services, as well as adult classes.

Earlier this year, the facility’s new owners, Northside Community Enterprises (NCE), identified a need for €366,000 worth of renovation works to bring the building up to standard.

With NCE willing to invest more than €100,000 toward the work, it had sought funding of €250,000 from Pobal, a State agency which works on behalf of the Government to support communities and local agencies to achieve social inclusion and development.

Late last month, NCE made a lengthy submission to Pobal, and the agency is expected to make its recommendations to Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman in the coming weeks.

Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald said a considerable amount of work had gone into the proposal and he was glad it was nearing its final stage of consideration by Mr O’Gorman.

“I have been in regular contact with local and government stakeholders since the closure of Before 5 at Churchfield last year,” he said. “Recently I received correspondence which stated that all documentation received from the board of NCE in regard to a potential funding proposal is currently being reviewed by Pobal, with a view to making a recommendation to DCEDIY [Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth].”

Mr Fitzgerald said Pobal would continue to liaise with the board of NCE to gather any additional information necessary to support the recommendation.

“Early intervention for children is vital, with Before 5 serving at the heart of the northside for generations, and I would urge Minister O’Gorman to approve funding,” he said.

Separately, Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins has put a motion before tonight’s meeting of Cork City Council proposing that the council “facilitate a meeting, perhaps chaired by the Ardmhéara [Lord Mayor], of local and national public representatives, the relevant stakeholders, and Northside Community Enterprises in an effort to secure the reopening of the ‘Before 5 Family Centre’ as soon as possible”.