'Light at the end of the tunnel' as Cork childcare facilty set to reopen 

Before 5 on Churchfield Hill closed with immediate effect in August 2023. Picture: Larry Cummins.

A former staff member of the Before 5 childcare facility in Churchfield has welcomed the news that the centre will open again to children on the northside.

Before 5 on Churchfield Hill closed with immediate effect in August 2023, with operators citing reasons for the decision including “financial challenges, changes in regulations, operational challenges, and recruitment issues”.

Following this closure, Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) began exploring the possibility of resuming a childcare service at the location.

It confirmed on Monday afternoon that the Department of Children has approved funding to carry out the refurbishment works required to reopen the facility “later in 2025”.

Happy

Former staff member Christine Mullins shared that she had spoken with her colleagues about the good news “and we’re very happy — we want the building to be re-opened again and used for the children”.

“It was horrible, heartbreaking passing it every day and seeing it just left to rot, but now at least we know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Us staff have had to move on, we’re settled in our new places and happy there now, but we kept fighting because we have a shared love of the place for the years that we were there.”

Ms Mullins added that she had attended herself, as had her daughter, then she worked there for 12 years.

She said: “So it was a full circle — it was such a big thing for the northside, Before 5 was held in such high regard.

“We know that there’s an election looming, so we’re really hoping this announcement isn’t just more empty promises.”

Her fears were echoed by Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould, who told The Echo: “It’s easy to tell that there’s an election around the corner because suddenly decisions like this happen.”

People power

However, he said the news was a victory for “people power,” adding: “I want to thank and congratulate the parents, staff, and the community who led a campaign to save the Before 5”.

Fianna Fáil councillor for Cork City North West Tony Fitzgerald refuted the claim that the news was “electioneering”, saying that this shouldn’t be used as a political opportunity because “it’s about the children”.

He told The Echo: “It’s absolutely fabulous news, particularly for the children and parents in the Churchfield and Gurranabraher area, that a brand new service will be available.

“It’s been a long process involving Cork County Childcare, Pobal, and the Department of Children

"Credit is due to Northside Community Enterprises management for putting together a very detailed proposal to secure this amount of funding.”

Mr Fitzgerald added: “The task now will be to renovate the premises and open it as quickly as possible.

“There will be recruitment of staff as well, so there’s a fair bit of work to be done yet, but this place is very close to the heart of the people in the area, and it will be great to see children returning there as soon as possible.”

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