Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1147. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of the notice to quit issued to a creche (details supplied) that provides essential childcare services for over 50 families in Balrothery; that the landlord only gave the crèche four weeks to vacate the premises; and if his Department will engage with the creche to help find an alternative location in the Balrothery area. [12312/24]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that Pobal, in their role as scheme administrator, have recently made my Department aware of a sudden closure of a private service in Balbriggan, the Toddle In, who provides full day care, part time and sessional care to children between the ages of 0-6 years and also provides School-Age Childcare (SAC)
Pobal informed my Department that the provider had only recently received notice from their landlord to exit the premises and that the service must close by Wednesday 27th March 2024. Subsequently, parents were notified of the closure on Tuesday 27th February 2024.
As a result of this, Fingal CCC has received a high volume of calls and emails from approximately 45-50 families that have been affected.
I understand the provider has contacted another organisation that may have suitable space for ECCE in the hope that they can open and continue to offer ECCE for the remainder of the term until June 2024.
Additionally, Fingal CCC have reached out to Tusla regarding a change of circumstances required for temporary premises and are supporting the provider with this.
Furthermore, the CCC are also offering support to families in locating new services/alternative places. CCC and Pobal are currently working closely with the service to offer any supports possible and will continue to monitor the situation and will advise my Department of any developments.
