Delay in crèches leaves families without childcare in Meath
A local councillor has raised concerns over long-awaited crèches at a residential development in Meath, saying that families are being “left without access to vital childcare services”.
Fianna Fáil councillor Caroline O’Reilly is now calling for “immediate action” to provide childcare at The Willows in Dunshaughlin, a new development providing three-and four-bedroom homes in the area over the last couple of years.
“Families who bought homes here were sold a vision of a community with essential services like childcare,” Cllr O’Reilly said.
“That promise has not been honoured. Right now, we’re looking at a purpose-built crèche that remains an empty site, with no clear pathway to operation. That’s not good enough. That’s two empty sites now which is totally unacceptable.”
According to Cllr O’Reilly, the facility, to be developed by GEM, is currently on the market at €1.2m in shell and core condition, with additional fit-out costs estimated at €700,000–€800,000.
“You’re asking operators to take on a nearly €2m investment just to get the doors open — and that’s before the challenge of hiring staff in a sector already struggling with shortages. It’s completely unrealistic,” O’Reilly added.
The councillor, who currently serves as Leas-Cathaorileach for Meath County Council, said that with over 860 homes already built and Dunshaughlin’s population continuing to grow, the lack of accessible childcare is now affecting families across the area.
“It’s not enough to include a crèche in a site plan and hope it materialises. When facilities like these are part of a planning condition, there must be timelines, accountability, and enforcement. Childcare isn’t optional — it’s an essential service.”
Last year, planning permission was granted to Fonthill Lodge Daycare for a crèche at the residential development.
“The proposed crèches were meant to serve The Willows and beyond. Instead, they are sitting undeveloped while parents are left without options,” she added.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for GEM said: “The original crèche site was sold to Fonthill Childcare in 2022, and we understand they are progressing with their development plans.”
“In relation to the second site, GEM are actively engaged in trying to find a suitable operator, and those efforts are ongoing. We’re committed to ensuring The Willows continues to grow as a well-served and sustainable community.”