COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Monday, April 20, 2009

MOTION NO 16.

MOTION: Councillor E. Tuffy

That the Council direct the Manager to include in the Draft Plan guidelines/provisions which will facilitate and support the development of childcare, pre-school and after school, facilities on the same campus as National/Primary Schools or on a site adjoining new school sites. 

REPORT:

Department of the Environment Guidelines on Childcare Facilities advise that Planning Authorities should require the provision of at least one childcare facility with a capacity for 20 children for every 75 dwelling units in new housing areas. The guidelines state that an appropriate location for childcare facilities, among others, is in the vicinity of schools, facilitating parents to make one trip in dropping off school-going children and children attending childcare facilities. This could also facilitate the provision of after school childcare services, thereby taking a sustainable approach to use of built facilities and transportation.

In accordance with these guidelines the policies of the Development Plan will seek to support the provision of crèches and childcare in new developments. The current Development Plan provides for variation in these requirements to be provided, depending on the circumstances, the Council, where appropriate will require smaller developments to pay a development contribution to enable appropriate provision to be made elsewhere.

 Manager’s Recommendation:

 It is recommended that the Draft Development Plan contain policies which relate to the provision and support for childcare, preschool and after care facilities at appropriate locations.