Plans submitted to Cork City Council for 120 place creche in Ballincollig

Permission is being sought for the construction of a new two-storey creche in Cork.

Plans were submitted to Cork City Council by Coleman New Homes (Blarney) Limited, seeking permission for the construction of the 120-place childcare facility at a site off Maglin Rd in Ballincollig.

The application stated that the construction of the proposed 659m2 development would also include the creation of an enclosed outdoor play area, alongside signage, a set-down and drop-off area, car and cycle parking, and all ancillary site works.

The creche is intended to serve the childcare needs of the Ballincollig area, with particular focus on the two residential developments at the Maglin Rd site, which were approved in phase one and phase two of the applicant’s overall masterplan.

Vehicular access to the proposed creche will be provided via two new junctions, with a main access area and an entrance to the set-down area, off the existing estate road that is serving the Cois Caisleán residential development, which is currently in phase one of construction.

Planning report

A planning report submitted with the application stated that upon completion of the strategic housing Cois Caisleán development, which will consist of 113 residential units and a 40-50 place creche, combined with the new proposed two-storey development, will bring childcare facility capacity in the area to 170 places, representing an “overprovision” according to the 2001 Childcare Guidelines for Planning Authorities.

However, the planning document further states that depending on future market needs and operator availability, should the phase one 40-50 place creche not prove viable, the applicant may consider redeveloping or omitting the facility at a future date.

The second large-scale residential development (LRD) at the site off Maglin Rd was permitted by the local authority in August, which will see a further 162 residential units constructed in the area.

The LRD will consist of 84 two-storey dwellings, 56 duplex units provided in six two to three-storey buildings, and a four to five-storey apartment building containing 22 apartments.

Cork City Council is expected to make a decision on the proposed creche by early December.