Works to start on childcare facility next month

Refurbishment works are due to begin next month on a childcare facility following its sudden closure two years ago.

The Board of Northside Community Enterprises CLG (NCE) announced on Monday that refurbishment works will commence at NCE Little Hands Churchfield, Childcare and Early Education Centre mid-October.

Previously called the Before 5 Family Centre, it closed suddenly in August 2023 citing financial challenges and recruitment issues among other reasons for closing.

In October 2024 the Department of Children had approved funding to carry out refurbishment works required to re-open the childcare facility with hopes of it re-opening in late 2025.

This week the board reaffirmed its intention to open the service on a phased basis as early as possible in 2026.

Fr John O’Donovan, Chairperson of NCE Board of Management, said: "NCE Little Hands has proudly served as a trusted childcare provider in Cork city for the past 31 years, located initially in Sunbeam and now in Farranferris. Throughout this time, we have remained deeply committed to supporting children and families within our community.

"The Management and Board of NCE CLG fully recognise the growing demand for quality childcare services in the city and the vital role such services play in the lives of parents and their children.”

He added: “We are therefore delighted to announce that a contractor has now been appointed, and building works are scheduled to commence mid October 2025. This development of Little Hands Childcare facility to a second location in Churchfield now marks an important step forward in expanding our capacity to meet the childcare needs of local families.”