New creche to open at northside site in Cork city
Councillor Tony Fitzgerald outside the childcare facility.
A new creche is to open from September on the site of the Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield, which closed suddenly in August 2023.
The facility had provided pre-school childcare, a homework club and adult classes on the northside for five decades.
After the closure, Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) began exploring the possibly of resuming a childcare service at the location.
The NCE board of management has announced a significant milestone in the development of the new centre, to be named NCE Little Hands Churchfield, Childcare and Early Education Centre.
The new purpose-built centre will provide high-quality full, part-time and ECCE sessional childcare places as well as an afterschool service for families in the local community.
Designed in line with current early learning standards, the facility will include a dedicated sensory room, a contemporary outdoor playground, and fully equipped self-contained childcare rooms.
Construction of the project began last October and has now reached the final stage. As part of its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, NCE has also initiated an additional upgrade programme.
This will include the installation of solar panels, a heat pump system, enhanced wall insulation, and new energy-efficient windows.
An application for registration with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is currently in progress and is expected to be submitted by early summer.
Subject to TUSLA approval, the centre is scheduled to open in September, aligning with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s ECCE intake period.
The existing afterschool service currently operated by NCE Little Hands at Padre Pio Primary School will relocate to the new Churchfield facility for the upcoming school year in September.
Fr John O’Donovan, chair of the NCE board of management, welcomed the progress of the project.
“A full opening for the September 2026 school term has been agreed by the board of management to align with the ECCE intake period.
"We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), Pobal, Cork City Childcare, and our additional funders, including the Tomar Trust and SE Systems. We also acknowledge the support of our local councillors and TDs.”
Local Fianna Fáil councillor, Tony Fitzgerald, said he was delighted to hear that works are currently in the final stages of development.
“Glad to support NCE in securing government funding and looking forward to news of opening details for children’s registrations, staff recruitment opportunities, and confirmation of the opening date. Great news for parents, and especially the children.”
The project represents a major investment in childcare provision in Cork’s northside, supporting working families and contributing to the development of essential community infrastructure.
Parents and guardians interested in securing a place at the new centre, as well as individuals seeking childcare employment opportunities, are encouraged to contact NCE Little Hands in Farranferris at 021-422 8131.
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