Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. From his engagement and that of other Deputies from Cork I am well aware of the issues facing Northside Community Enterprise and of the funding that is required to support the reopening of the Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield. The centre is in an area of undersupply and of high need for childcare places. The ambition of Northside Community Enterprise to reopen this centre, with an expanded offering of full-time, full-year places for children under three, as well as places for school-going children, is very welcome.

I had the opportunity to meet representatives of Northside Community Enterprise a number of weeks ago while in Cork visiting one of its other services. I was able to clarify that the capital funding I announced earlier in the year for the childcare sector under the national development plan was designed towards the expansion of existing services and that particular funding stream did not apply to the scenario that Northside Community Enterprise finds itself in with the Before 5 Family Centre. However, I was able to confirm to the representatives of Northside Community Enterprise that I and my Department are looking to see what solutions can be put in place in this situation. We see how vital this community facility is for Churchfield. Work is ongoing between officials in my Department and Pobal to find a solution.

Pobal, the scheme administrator, and the local childcare committee have engaged with Northside Community Enterprise and offered support in this regard. There was an initial meeting on 17 May and there has subsequently been a follow-up meeting. I do not have the conclusive answer for the Deputy but we are aware of the importance of this service. We are aware of the significance of Northside Community Enterprise stepping in to take it on and we are looking to bring forward a workable solution.

See this speech in context