Bad news for Glanmire parents as childcare facility fails to get selected for scheme

A proposed Glanmire childcare facility which would have provided 150 places has not been selected for a new State scheme.

Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O'Sullivan recently asked the Minister for Children Norma Foley to provide an update on the new childcare facility for Glanmire.

The minister recently announced €135m in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare.

The process is set to begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what she said would be a "ground-breaking initiative" for the government.

Through the scheme, capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.

The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design and open services, and these providers will run the services.

Up to eight buildings were set to be selected for investment this year with each one providing more than 100 places.

Mr O’Sullivan previously said that one proposal was made to develop a State childcare facility at a property owned by a private building owner who has full planning permission for up to 150 childcare places, and was willing to sell the unit or rent it to the state.

The unit just needed to be kitted out, which would take approximately two to three months, meaning it could be delivered quickly, he said.

However, Ms Foley said: 

“Cork City Childcare Committee has submitted a preliminary appraisal form relating to a project located in Glanmire which, along with other preliminary appraisal forms received, has been considered by relevant officials.

“Following a review of proposals received, the Department has prioritised a number of projects for progression at this time. This project has not been selected for prioritisation in the current phase.” 

She added: “This decision does not indicate that the proposal is ineligible, unsuccessful, or will not be considered in the future. For now, projects that are possible to be delivered in the coming months are being prioritised and other projects will then be further considered for progression.” 

Mr O’Sullivan had previously highlighted the importance of more childcare facilities in Glanmire, stating that one had recently closed, and that demand is high as Glanmire is made up of predominantly young families.

“There are many people moving in from different areas and working in multinationals in nearby Little Island and the city.

He said at the time that if the proposed new facility was not opened “all we are going to see is more and more people going into the likes of Mayfield and further afield into the city and city centre to access childcare.

“There are many people either taking reduced working hours or trying to juggle by working from home.”