Moynihan highlights need to prioritise Dublin Mid-West for State-owned childcare facilities
Published on: 20 January 2026
Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West, Deputy Shane Moynihan, has welcomed the Government's move to acquire properties for use as childcare facilities and is calling for Dublin Mid-West to be prioritised to support local families.
The Government is expected this week to approve a plan brought forward by Minister Norma Foley to allow the State to purchase buildings for the delivery of early learning and childcare services. Each facility will provide more than 100 childcare places, with the acquisition process beginning this year and up to 800 places expected to be delivered nationally by early 2027.
Deputy Moynihan said the announcement shows the Government is taking a more proactive and strategic approach to childcare infrastructure, and he is urging that this work begin in areas experiencing the greatest pressure, such as his own constituency, Dublin Mid-West.
“I am regularly contacted by parents from across the constituency who are desperate for childcare, particularly for one- to three-year-olds. Many want to return to work but simply cannot access the places they need,” Deputy Moynihan said.
Official figures from Pobal show that South Dublin County, of which Dublin Mid-West is a part, has significantly fewer available full-time and part-time childcare places than any other local authority area in Dublin. At the same time, a recent report by the South Dublin County Childcare Committee found that over 1,300 children were on waiting lists across just 54 services in the region.
“This clearly shows the gap between supply and demand, and this is particularly acute in my own constituency”, Moynihan continued. “Lucan has been the top area where parents sought childcare in both 2022 and 2023, while sharp increases in demand have been recorded across Clondalkin, Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle. I will be fighting to make sure these areas are prioritised for delivery of additional places.”
“At the same time, 16% of approved childcare buildings in the area remain vacant, many of which were delivered as part of new residential developments but never activated. This is a real opportunity to turn those spaces into vital childcare places and give local parents the support they need”
The Government is expected this week to approve a plan brought forward by Minister Norma Foley to allow the State to purchase buildings for the delivery of early learning and childcare services. Each facility will provide more than 100 childcare places, with the acquisition process beginning this year and up to 800 places expected to be delivered nationally by early 2027.
Deputy Moynihan said the announcement shows the Government is taking a more proactive and strategic approach to childcare infrastructure, and he is urging that this work begin in areas experiencing the greatest pressure, such as his own constituency, Dublin Mid-West.
“I am regularly contacted by parents from across the constituency who are desperate for childcare, particularly for one- to three-year-olds. Many want to return to work but simply cannot access the places they need,” Deputy Moynihan said.
Official figures from Pobal show that South Dublin County, of which Dublin Mid-West is a part, has significantly fewer available full-time and part-time childcare places than any other local authority area in Dublin. At the same time, a recent report by the South Dublin County Childcare Committee found that over 1,300 children were on waiting lists across just 54 services in the region.
“This clearly shows the gap between supply and demand, and this is particularly acute in my own constituency”, Moynihan continued. “Lucan has been the top area where parents sought childcare in both 2022 and 2023, while sharp increases in demand have been recorded across Clondalkin, Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle. I will be fighting to make sure these areas are prioritised for delivery of additional places.”
“At the same time, 16% of approved childcare buildings in the area remain vacant, many of which were delivered as part of new residential developments but never activated. This is a real opportunity to turn those spaces into vital childcare places and give local parents the support they need”
Deputy Moynihan Concluded:
“I want to thank my colleague, Minister Norma Foley, for showing real leadership on this issue and for providing parents across Ireland with a support that will make a real difference to their lives.”
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Shane Moynihan TD
