Creches Empty: Housing Conversion Trend in Ireland
developers Seeking to Drop childcare Commitments in New Estates – Key Points
This article from the Irish Times details a growing issue: developers are seeking permission to bypass requirements to include childcare facilities in large housing estates, leaving parents struggling to find care. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Planning Regulations: Current planning rules mandate developers to provide a creche with 20 placements for every 75 homes built.
facilities Remain Unused: Despite the rules, many promised creche facilities are either not built, remain empty, or are being converted into housing.
Parental Disappointment: Parents report buying homes based on the understanding that a creche would be available, now facing long waiting lists.
Developer Arguments: Developers are citing:
Difficulty attracting operators: They claim they can’t find anyone to run the creches.
Changing work patterns: They argue more parents are now able to care for children at home.
Workplace childcare: They suggest childcare is increasingly offered at employers.
Rejections by an Bord Pleanála/An Coimisiún Pleanála: Planning authorities have rejected some applications to convert creche spaces, recognizing the high demand for childcare. (Examples given in Delgany, Co. Wicklow and Churchtown, Dublin)
high Demand: Evidence shows significant demand for childcare in these areas, with waiting lists and numerous inquiries from parents. (Examples given in Delgany, Annacotty, Co. Limerick, and Churchtown, Dublin)
Specific Cases Highlighted: The article details cases in Delgany (Wicklow), Annacotty (Limerick), Churchtown (Dublin), and Tramore (Waterford) where developers have attempted to alter plans for designated creche spaces.
In essence, the article highlights a conflict between planning regulations intended to support working families and developers seeking to maximize profits by avoiding the costs and complexities of providing childcare facilities.