Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
454. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to urgently intervene and ensure that a pre-school (details supplied) can reopen given the shortage in pre-school places in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54403/26]
View answerIt is deeply regrettable that any childcare facility would be facing closure, however, as you will appreciate, the Department does not directly operate or manage early learning and childcare or school age childcare services. Decisions about the day-to-day running of services, including their chosen business model or base of operations, ultimately lie with the provider.
City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) offer a range of assistance to parents in Ireland to help them find and access childcare services in their local area. CCCs can assist in identifying services in their area that have current vacancies. In this instance, it is understood there is a plan in place to relocate the children and staff in the Lixnaw service to the service due to open in Dromclough National School by the same operator. As always, Kerry CCC are available to provide advice and support should any issues arise.
Contact details for all City and County Childcare Committees are available on the gov.ie website.
In addition, €135 million will be made available between 2026 and 2030 for the State-led Early Learning and Childcare capital programme, providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare.
The process will begin this year with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements. The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design, open and operate services.
Project proposals can be brought to the attention of the Department through completion of a preliminary appraisal form which is available from City and County Childcare Committees.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee.
