Dublin, Galway Creches Unused Despite Planning Rules, YMCA & Spraoi Say

Childcare providers told TDs and Senators that "massive numbers" of creches built to meet planning conditions for new homes across Dublin are unused and unusable. Stuart Buchanan of the YMCA, which has provided creches since 1988, told the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality that these facilities are often too small to be viable.

Theresa Murphy, a director of Spraoi and Sonas Early Learning Centres, noted the problem extends beyond Dublin, citing Galway where "a creche is required for every development over 70 units." She instanced a 1,650sq ft (153 sq m) creche space in a Galway city housing development as unsustainable. Karen Clince, CEO of Tigers Childcare, said her business consults with developers, including the IDA, and finds their childcare unit plans "never fit for purpose," citing issues like inappropriate toilet placement and incorrect child-to-space ratios, such as planning for 26 children in a room suitable for only 22. Clince stated that a service needs at least four classrooms to be viable, unless in a very rural community.

The committee also heard about severe staff shortages, exacerbated by Garda vetting times of up to 40 working days. Maria Watters, financial administrator of Lios na nÓg Playgroup in Co Louth, reported struggling to recruit staff, noting that on their last recruitment drive, 19 out of 20 CVs were from unqualified candidates ineligible to work in Ireland.

Watters added that staff retention and motivation are also significant issues, citing poor pay rates, term-time contracts, delays in social welfare payments, and difficulties managing challenging behaviour from children. Approximately 213,000 children are enrolled in early learning and childcare services across the State, with 850 cared for by Spraoi and Sonas.