‘Families buy homes in good faith’ – Council to examine how crèches promised in planning permissions are delivered
A strong call has been made to ensure childcare facilities promised through the planning system are delivered on time for families.
At its monthly meeting, Ratoath Fianna Fáil councillor Caroline O’Reilly brought forward a motion calling for a review of planning and compliance practices for crèches and community facilities attached to residential developments, with a focus on the growing reliance on third-party delivery model.
Sinn Féin councillor Eddie Fennessy supported the motion, citing an example of a planning application where a creche is being replaced by housing.
Fine Gael councillor Gerry O’Connor noted that some residents of the Willow Development in Dunshaughlin have been living there for years “and still no creche.”
The motion was unanimously passed. In a written response, the council confirmed that as part of the County Development Plan review, planning objectives—including the delivery of community facilities and crèches—will be examined.
“The process will engage with all relevant stakeholders,” the council said.
Welcoming the decision, Cllr O’Reilly said it reflects growing recognition across the county that childcare must be treated as essential infrastructure, especially in fast-growing commuter towns.
She highlighted national progress, such as the €135m state-led childcare programme launched by Norma Foley, but stressed that the motion focuses on local planning, delivery, and enforcement.
“Families across Meath continue to face long waiting lists and a lack of local childcare, despite buying homes in developments where crèches were part of the original planning permissions,” Cllr O’Reilly said.
She cited the Willows in Dunshaughlin and Millerstown in Kilcock as examples where promised facilities have yet to materialize.
Cllr O’Reilly added that the issue is “not simply one of funding, but of prioritisation, compliance, and follow-through at local level.”
She criticised over-reliance on third-party delivery arrangements, which she said often leaves childcare provision dependent on operators or future purchasers without enforceable conditions, making delivery uncertain.
“As Meath continues to zone land and approve large-scale housing developments, including in the Ratoath LEA, the council has a responsibility to ensure childcare is delivered alongside homes, not years later,” she said.
“Families buy homes in good faith expecting facilities approved through planning to be provided. That trust must be respected.”
The motion calls for stronger enforcement of planning conditions, early engagement with relevant departments and providers, and a focus on protecting childcare provision in all future developments.
“This is about respecting families, supporting working parents, and ensuring our communities are properly planned and sustainable,” Cllr O’Reilly said.
“I welcome the support of members across the county and look forward to seeing this translated into real delivery on the ground.”