Childcare in new housing
Deputy Keogh asks whether planning rules requiring childcare facilities in housing developments should be changed, citing developments in Westport without provision. The Minister says the idea is sensible, will raise it with the Minister responsible, and notes any changes would need to consider trade-offs for development.
Planning regulations stipulate that new housing developments of up to 75 units must provide a childcare facility with up to 20 places. We are in a childcare crisis and this is simply not working in small, medium and large towns. In my own town of Westport, we recently saw separate developments of 50, 48 and 20 units, a total of 118 units, but no new childcare facility. There is a new housing plan coming. Are there any plans to change this stipulation in respect of housing developments?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. As we build more homes, which we need to do, it is really important that we do so in a way that makes services and facilities available for those who will live within them, including families. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Foley, will be giving this matter consideration. I will raise the issue with her and let her know the Deputy has made this suggestion. There may well be trade-offs that need to be considered with regard to the impact it might have on development within an area. However, the Deputy's suggestion sounds very sensible to me and I will make sure the Minister is aware of it.