Boyle meets all criteria for state-led childcare - Kerrane tells minister
A building should be purchased in Boyle this year for state-led childcare, the minister for children was told at a committee meeting this morning.
Local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane told Minister Norma Foley that based on the criteria outlined by her for the purchase of buildings in 2026 for state-led childcare, Boyle should be chosen as one of the eight buildings to be bought this year.
Deputy Kerrane said she has been seeking the purchase of a building in Boyle for childcare with the minister since last September.
Speaking at the committee this morning, Deputy Kerrane said:
"Looking through the criteria for the eight areas that will be chosen in 2026 for the purchase of buildings for childcare provision where there is need, with a focus on rural and disadvantaged areas, Boyle fits all of the criteria outlined by you.
"Boyle in North Roscommon is very rural. It is, according to the Pobal Index, deemed a disadvantaged area and the need is great - the national benchmark for childcare is 20 childcare places per 75 households. In Boyle Urban and Rural, there are just 20 childcare places per 1,043 households.
"A committee in Boyle has been formed for some time. It was set up by mothers literally unable to return to work due to lack of childcare locally. They have undertaken and published a childcare needs analysis and I commend them for all of the work they have done. I have shared that analysis with you and with your department officials who are looking at this.
"A building for purchase has been identified and Boyle is ready to go.
In response the minister acknowledged Deputy Kerrane had repeatedly made the case for Boyle and that decisions on all eight locations would be made throughout this year.
Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Kerrane said there have been suggestions made that the loss of Renbrack House to childcare in Boyle was a setback.
“However, Renbrack House has been off the table for almost a year with another organisation in talks for the HSE property since last summer,” she said. "I have for the last 6 months or more been engaging with the minister on the need to purchase a building in Boyle to meet the severe need for childcare. This is the obvious solution and it is the quickest.
"My focus will remain on ensuring Boyle is one of the eight locations to be chosen this year and I encourage other elected representatives to join me in this call."
