Parents are ‘devastated’ over the closure of crèche

Parents are “stressed out” and “devastated” after they were informed that Oakview crèche at TU Dublin Tallaght campus will close its doors in January.

43 families are set to be affected, as well as their families, as Oakview, based at the college campus on Greenhills Road after it was announced that the childcare facility would shut its doors in January.

The decision follows consideration of the works required within the service. Exclusively, the installation of appropriate care room temperature controls and works needed to address safety issues within the outdoor area.

Per correspondence shared by Oakview to affected parents, TU Dublin advised that the funds necessary to complete these works are not available, and as a result, the crèche will close.

One parent, 43-year-old Laura Stanley is in her second year at the Tallaght campus and her young child, aged two, will have to find a new childcare place – the complicated situation they now find themselves threatens Laura’s future in her course.

Laura said: “The college had a meeting with the Oakfield crèche Monday, and then there was official documentation given out from the crèche to say that it will be closing in January.

“We weren’t aware of any issues with the crèche. We weren’t given warning. January is obviously very little time to find a new crèche.

“The parents are very stress out and the staff are too, we’re all devastated to be honest – heartbroken.

“I’m in my second year of college and I could have to abandon my studies – not the most important issue though – the important issue is me keeping my daughter in a place that she stays in and she knows, has friends there.”

The mother feels that her daughter will be affected developmentally by the changes to her childcare situation.

A report from Tusla dated April 2025 outlines the high room temperatures at the site, as well as issues in the outdoor area to the rear of the facility – the same report outlines that 42 children attended in the morning and 36 in the afternoon at that point in time.

It is understood that Oakview had not received information regarding their future after several attempts at communication, prior to the meeting earlier this week, and had been taking places for 2027.

TU Dublin stated: “The University can confirm that Oakview, the licensed operator of the childcare facility on TU Dublin’s Tallaght Campus, will leave at the end of its current licence period in December 2026. The university will not be seeking a new licensee for the service.

“TU Dublin recognises the significant impact this announcement will have on the children, families, staff and students affected, and appreciates that this will be a difficult and unsettling time for everyone involved.

“Oakview operates the childcare service under licence from TU Dublin and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the service, including communications with parents and guardians.

“TU Dublin is working closely with Oakview to support an orderly transition and to ensure families receive as much notice as possible to make alternative childcare arrangements.

“The University is committed to supporting the transition process as far as possible. Options for the future use of the property on the TU Dublin Campus are currently under consideration.”

A spokesperson of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality said: “We are aware of the decision to close the service as the university prepares to repurpose the current facility.

“We understand that this is a deeply stressful time for the parents, children, and staff affected in the local community.

“South Dublin County Childcare Committee is collaborating with the private provider to review alternative premises and secure a new location for the service.

“In the event that a suitable alternative location cannot be secured, we will continue to work closely with the South Dublin County Childcare Committee to assist affected families in identifying alternative options in the area.

“South Dublin County Childcare Committee can provide contact information for parents should they need help to secure alternative places. Parents/guardians can also use the following website to find Core Funding Partner Services in their area HERE.”