Meanwhile, after 100 days in government the coalition is facing a backlash over the cost of childcare.
A proposal to set a minimum of 80 children for the establishment of new crèches in Kildare has sparked division among local councillors, with concerns raised about the potential impact on families and local communities.
At Monday’s meeting of Kildare County Council, Fianna Fáil Councillor Suzanne Doyle proposed the development of best practice guidelines for childcare facilities, suggesting a minimum threshold of 80 children per crèche.
She argued that such a policy would promote sustainability and help providers meet regulatory standards for quality childcare across the county.
However, the proposal was met with opposition from Social Democrats Councillor Nuala Killeen, who criticised the move as “a huge policy change that would not benefit families or communities.”
Cllr Killeen advocated for maintaining a diversity of childcare settings, including smaller and sessional providers.
“In a large service, the family tends to lose the personal touch with teachers,” she said, citing high staff turnover in larger childcare chains and stressing the importance of “home-from-home” smaller services.
She also called for any future childcare policies to consider building design flexibility to meet the needs of children of different ages, particularly babies.
““If we are serious, we could also make it essential that a building be viable to facilitate a baby room, which is the most pressing need, and the one that directly influences workforce participation in women,” she said.
In response, Kildare County Council officials clarified that the council does not directly deliver childcare services.
Responsibility for policy development lies with the Kildare County Childcare Committee and the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality.
Alan Dunney, Director of Planning, said the council would accept submissions for a forthcoming Departmental review.
Meanwhile, after 100 days in government the coalition is facing a backlash over the cost of childcare.
Promises made during the general election campaign have not been actioned, according to the group Together for Public Alliance.
Its made up of over 40 civil society organisations who are holding a rally outside Leinster House today.
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