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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Before 5 Family Centre delays

Summary

Deputy O'Flynn raised the closure and delayed reopening of the Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield after funding had been announced. The Taoiseach said he knew the service, would check the building and delay issues, and Deputy O'Flynn replied that he was delighted to deliver for his constituency.

In August 2023, the Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield closed its doors, discommoding over 100 families who were left scrambling to find alternative places for their children. At that time, there was a commitment given by the previous Government that it would try to resource and fund this. Prior to the general election, as I am sure the Taoiseach knows, it was announced that funding of up to €250,000 would be made available for the centre through Northside Community Enterprises, in tandem with the Diocese of Cork and Ross. It was very much announced in the local press and it appeared on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael newsletters and propaganda prior to the election, but to date, there has not been a shovel put in the ground. The gates remain closed. No builder has been appointed. Nobody has been appointed, actually. Are we still on target? Is the €250,000 ring-fenced for it and when can we expect the Before 5 Family Centre, which was 50 years in the community, to be reopened?

Comment on this

I am very familiar with the service, and Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan would have raised it with me. I think Councillor Tony Fitzgerald, as the Deputy knows, has done fantastic work in that area over the years and has been very active on this. Hence the allocation. I spoke to the former Minister, Roderic O'Gorman, on foot of representations from Deputy O'Sullivan and Councillor Fitzgerald specifically on this issue. I will check with Deputy O'Flynn on what the issues are around the building and the delays. The Deputy might know some background himself as to why it has not physically got under way. I will certainly pursue that.

By the way, the Four-Faced Liar did get funding, as in, the Shandon clock.

Comment on this

I am delighted to deliver for my constituency.

Comment on this