Delight on on Cork's northside as funding secured to reopen childcare facility

Following more than a year of uncertainty, Northside Community Enterprise (NCE) has confirmed that the Department of Children has approved funding to carry out refurbishment works required to reopen the former Before 5 childcare facility in Churchfield.

Over 100 children lost their preschool place when the facility suddenly closed last August.

Wayne O’Donnell, NCE manager said they were very pleased to announce that funding has been approved. 

"We have done extensive work to secure the re-opening of this facility and the provision of this much-needed childcare service for families across the Northside," said Mr O'Donnell.

Sincere thanks

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to a number of groups and services we engaged with and who supported us during this process, including Cork City Childcare, local representatives, and Pobal."

Mr O’Donnell also thanked Minister Roderic O'Gorman and the Department of Children for their, “extensive support over the last number of months to help bring this proposal to fruition,” as well as the Cork & Ross Diocesan Trustees.

“We are keen to get the building works commenced as soon as possible and ensure that we can support the need for childcare facilities in the area without delay,” said Mr O’Donnell.

“We look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with local representatives and community groups to provide this much-needed service in the Northside of the city in 2025.” 

Mr O’Donnell told The Echo that they have no dates for the reopening of the facility, as confirmation of funding was only received on Monday.

“We will be doing everything to get it open as soon as we can,” he said, adding that they will be getting all relevant parties together for planning shortly.

It had been previously estimated that the building required up to four months work to get the building up to scratch.

Fantastic News

Speaking to The Echo Sinn Fein councillor for Cork City North West, Kenneth Collins, who was to table a motion looking for updates on the childcare facility tonight’s council meeting said it was fantastic news that this money been announced.” 

However, he questioned the timing, saying: "This funding was finally released close to the election – Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael knew they couldn’t knock on doors in the northside if the funding wasn’t released.

“So it’s a bit of electioneering, but I’m delighted for the community – as a former student myself all those years ago it is just wonderful.” 

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central Padraig O’Sullivan said: “Great credit is due to Minister Roderick O Gorman for creating a funding scheme for new capital projects where heretofore none existed.

Viability

“Albeit this took time and delayed the project ultimately this was the only way for the NCE to be assured of the funding they needed to do necessary works.

“Ultimately, when the works are completed this facility will provide an enhanced service, beyond what was offered before and this investment will ensure the viability of the service going forward.” 

His constituency colleague, Solidarity – People Before Profit TD Mick Barry told The Echo: “I'd like to congratulate the ex-workers of Before 5 and the parents who kept this issue alive by speaking out over the last thirteen and a half months. This result is down to them not to Government politicians who will cynically use this announcement as an election stunt.

“Pressure will need to be kept on to make sure that the works are completed as quickly as possible and that the facilities are fully reopened for the people in 2025,” said Mr Barry.