Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
111. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will provide an update regarding the before five childcare application and if a decision will be made by Pobal shortly in relation to funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20944/25]
View answerMy Department, Pobal, Cork City Childcare Committee, Northside Community Enterprise and other stakeholders continue to work closely to deliver early learning and childcare service in the Churchfield site, formally occupied by Before 5.
My Department approved funding for the revival of this service in October 2024 and I am informed that work has commenced on the early stages of this project. While all stakeholders are keen to open this service, it is not currently possible to confirm an opening date at this stage. It is dependent on several factors such as public procurement requirements, availability of contractors and regulatory obligations.
With detailed project plans and funding in place, all stakeholders are committed to the completion of the project to provide high quality early learning and childcare to the community as soon as possible.
