Parents have criticised the Technological University of Dublin for threatening to close a Tallaght creche.
In a letter sent to parents in the final week of September and seen by Southside People, Oakview Tallaght told parents that a funding lapse on TUD’s behalf means that the creche will close in January 2027.
Over 40 families are affected by the closure.
The letter reads, “the decision follows consideration of the works required within the service, such as the installation of the appropriate room temperature controls and works needed to address safety issues within the outdoor area.”
“Unfortunately, TU Dublin has advised that the funds necessary to complete these works are not available, and as a result, the creche will close.”
The letter said it was aware of the stress and upset this will cause to parents and children.
One parent, Ciara, spoke to Southside People about the ordeal and said it was “like a bad dream.”
She said that she has two children in the creche, including an 8-month-old who started going to the creche in September.
Ciara said there was no indication in September, when she sent their newborn child to the creche for the academic year, that there were money issues.
She said the news was the “biggest shock,” and said she was scrambling to find alternative arrangements.
If she is not able to find alternative creche arrangements for her children, she will have to withdraw from her studies.
“We are within walking distance of the creche right now, so it couldn’t be easier for me in the mornings,” she explained, and then she attends classes at the Blanchardstown campus.
Ciara said that returning to college as a mature student was already stressful, on top of being a mother of small children, and the addition of this problem is putting her under major stress.
Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said the situation is a microcosm of everything wrong with modern Ireland.
“We tell people you have to go to college to make something of yourself, so I enrolled, sent my kids to the creche, and then we are told the college has no money; how does that make sense?” they asked.
They said that if the funding lapse is not resolved, they would have to quit their studies.
Fianna Fáil TD John Lahart said that the creche must remain operational on site, regardless of which company runs it.
“When it comes to childcare, parents need certainty. Close to work, on-site, or, as in this case, on-campus childcare is as good as it gets.
“Oakview Crèche, based on the grounds of Technological University Dublin, TU Dublin, in Tallaght, ticks all the boxes I have just mentioned.”
“This facility, regardless of who owns it, must remain in place,” Lahart said.
Lahart questioned why no replacement procurement process is currently proposed.
In response, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth, Michael Moynihan, acknowledged that this is a “deeply stressful” time for the parents, children, the staff affected and the local community.
He said the Department of Education was aware of the decision to close the service as the university prepares to repurpose the current facility, adding that the South Dublin Childcare Committee was collaborating with the private provider to review alternative premises.