Positive step forward to tackle childcare capacity – Currie

Local authorities will now be required to notify the Minister for Children when developments are likely to increase demand for early learning and care, and this will ensure that childcare considerations are no longer overlooked in the planning process, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael spokesperson for childcare Emer Currie said that this is a small but significant step forward in tackling childcare capacity shortage.

Deputy Currie said: “This move begins to address a long-standing issue properly integrating childcare into the planning system, something I have been raising for a long time.

“Right now, childcare simply isn’t being taken seriously enough in how we plan our communities.

“Currently the rules provide for 20 childcare places for every 75 homes built. But the approach isn’t working and is riddled with inadequacies and flaws, leaving families struggling to access early learning and childcare places close to home.

“In my own constituency of Dublin West, I can point to developments built without adequate childcare provision. We’ve seen childcare units constructed but left empty because they are not viable for providers, and even cases where promised creches were never delivered.

“I’ve long been highlighting this gap in the system. While planning authorities routinely consult experts on infrastructure such as roads, water services, schools, and even aviation pathways, childcare needs are not systematically assessed in the same way.

“Childcare is essential infrastructure. It should be treated with the same level of scrutiny and expertise as any other critical service.”

“This is a meaningful step in the right direction, but we must continue to build on this to ensure every family can access affordable, local childcare”, concluded Deputy Currie.