Lynn Tierney, Social Democrats candidate for Clondalkin Local Electoral Area (LEA), has highlighted the pressing issue of inadequate childcare services in the area, impacting families in Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle.
Tierney, a strong advocate for community welfare, has uncovered several examples where developers have built childcare facilities in the local area but failed to open them despite receiving planning permission to do so, leaving families without essential services.
“I am deeply concerned about the shortage of childcare services in our community,” Tierney states. “It’s unacceptable that facilities lie dormant while families struggle to find adequate care for their children.”
With the local population surging and further development on the horizon, Ms Tierney has made addressing this issue a priority. She has already taken action by raising the matter with Social Democrats colleague and party Spokesperson for Children, Jennifer Whitmore TD, signaling a commitment to finding solutions to this pressing local concern.
The issue, Tierney suggests, is multifaceted. “One aspect is lax planning enforcement and it’s time for accountability,” Tierney remarked. “Developers must be held responsible for delivering on their commitments to our community. Councils must do more to ensure that where they have given planning permission for this most basic of services, these services are delivered”. Thirdly, Tierney understands childcare providers are struggling with rising costs such as fuel, rental and costs associated with regulatory compliance. “Where childcare services are in place, more support should be made available by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to protect the future of these services.
Tierney’s dedication to resolving this issue underscores her commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.
Pictured: Lynn Tierney, Social Democrats candidate for the Clondalkin LEA stands in front of a vacant childcare facility granted planning permission 20 years ago.
