Leitrim County Council urged to encourage childcare facility for Carrick Business Campus

Leitrim County Council has been asked to encourage the establishment of a childcare facility within Carrick Business Campus.

Cllr Maeve Reynolds proposed a motion at Carrick-on-Shannon’s Municipal District meeting, asking that the Council investigate the feasibility of a childcare facility here.

“This initiative would aim to address the severe childcare shortage in the area while also enhancing the attractiveness of the campus for businesses, supporting local economic growth," Cllr Reynolds said.

“Leitrim County Council’s mission statement is about making Leitrim the best place to live, work and invest in and visit, and this proposal positively impacts three of the four things mentioned there.

“Including working people’s quality of life, allowing parents back to work while also undoubtedly attracting more investment in the area.

“Waiting for a potential employer to express interest in developing a childcare facility misses the bigger picture here and wastes an opportunity.

Cllr Reynolds expressed that adding a childcare facility to the business campus would be advantageous for local families and businesses while contributing to economic growth and fulfilling a current community need.

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Additionally, she noted that there have been no planning applications for a childcare facility in Carrick-on-Shannon in the last seven years.

“I’m not looking for the Council to provide this service, but the joint local area plan says the Council should make provision for encouraging such facilities, that’s what I’m calling for here.

“I’d like this proposal to be included in the five year strategic plan currently being drawn up for Carrick-on-Shannon business campus,” Cllr Reynolds added.

All council members at the meeting supported Cllr Reynolds motion.

Carrick-on-Shannon M.D. was told that while such a facility could stimulate economic growth, it is not currently part of the business campus’s plans. 

If an employer believes a childcare facility would benefit their business model, they are welcome to pursue that.

The Designed Activity Company (DAC) and Carrick Business Campus operational team are currently completing the five year strategic plan.

Cllr Reynolds’ motion was scheduled for discussion at the DAC meeting the following day, in relation to the five year plan.

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“Leitrim County Council were very forward thinking in the purchase of the business campus, this would be forward thinking as well,” Cllr Reynolds said.