Sir, - The supplement "Planning the Dublin Region" (May 5th), looked very comprehensively at the issues which the four local authorities face in managing "the city's evolution." The supplement surprisingly omitted any mention of childcare facilities (i.e. nurseries, creches, playgroups, Montessori groups and Naionra).
Childcare provision is as necessary an infra-structural service as transport but unfortunately local authorities do not appear to realise this. Indeed they compound the current crisis in supply by their lack of effective "planning". Despite intensive lobbying and the growing need, they have failed to put in place realistic criteria for planning permission for these services. One local authority now appears to have a policy whereby they will grant permission for facilities catering for a maximum of eight children, which is not a viable option. For families, childcare facilities are an essential amenity which are generally best located in residential areas where the environment is more likely to be conducive to their children's needs.
May I suggest that parents use the upcoming local authority elections to bring these issues to the attention of candidates on the door-step? It is vitally important that we make local representatives sit up and take notice. They in turn must impress upon the planners that they have a role to play in childcare provision. - Yours, etc.,
Martina Murphy, PRO, National Children's Nurseries Association, Nth Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.