Critical call-out for childcare facilities

CHILDCARE availability is so acute in Adamstown that the only privately run crèche in the area is fully booked until the end of 2024, according to Cllr Derren Ó Brádaigh (SF).

Ó Brádaigh understands there have been “close to 400 enquiries” seeking to secure a place at a proposed new crèche in the recently built Shackleton development.

“Affordable childcare is a huge issue everywhere but has become particularly acute in Lucan, with the escalating population growth accompanying the Adamstown SDZ and development generally west of the Newcastle Road,” said Cllr Ó Brádaigh.

“Original construction of Adamstown and Castlegate back in 2007 delivered in excess of 1,100 homes. This doesn’t include the likes of Stratton and St Helen’s that were built in the last couple of years.

“Sixteen years on, there is only one privately run crèche with places for 70 children and this facility is fully booked until the end of 2024. Whilst there are plans for another similar crèche to locate in the newly built Shackleton development, I understand that there have already been close to 400 enquiries seeking to secure places.”

Ó Brádaigh cites the model for crèche planning reflected in the County Development Plan which seeks one childcare facility with a minimum of 20 places for each 75 unit at a new residential development.

“Doing the maths on this in relation to the existing homes I’ve mentioned, would equate to a deficit of at least three childcare facilities with places of 70 or more.

“It is vital that we begin to see new affordable public crèche facilities in tandem with the arrival of any further development.”