Authorities contacted over Limerick pre-school facing homelessness
METROPOLITAN councillors have agreed to lobby representatives of two organisations over the future of a city centre pre-school.
Staff of One World Pre-School, located at the site of the former Corner Flag pub in Henry Street, found themselves locked out of their premises following a dispute with the landlord.
They have since been given a stay of execution, with the building's owner agreeing to allow its 44 children finish out the school year.
However, it still means the business owners are on the look out for a new premises come September.
And at this month's metropolitan district meeting, Social Democrats councillor Elisa O'Donovan saw a motion passed which will see members write to One World's funders - the community government organisation Pobal and children's agency Tusla - to support the bid to urgently find a new home.
The City West representative said it's vital the pre-school remains in the city centre due to the profile of the people it serves.
"They run a really fantastic service particularly for children living in the city centre. Most of the children who attend this pre-school are living in Steamboat Quay, Mount Kennett, Henry Street and the surrounding areas. They have no access to cars, so it's really important wherever they are relocated to must be in the city centre," Cllr O'Donovan said.
She hopes the council writing to Pobal and Tusla asking for urgent assistance, it will help in the search.
"In an ideal world, they'd be able to buy a premises in the city centre. But I thought if we as a council could show our support by writing a letter requesting Tusla and Pobal provide some urgent assistance, the school and the children will be back up and running with a new premises in the city centre."
The motion was seconded by fellow City West councillor Daniel Butler, and also supported by his Fine Gael colleagues, the metropolitan district leader, Cllr Olivia O'Sullivan and Cllr Sarah Kiely.
A former Tusla employee herself, Cllr Kiely said childcare provision is already a chaallenge for parents across Limerick - and the closure of One World would make things worse.
"I know one person who has had to give up their own HSE permanent job because she cannot get a place for her 17-month-old child. There is no creche for two years available for that child. If this creche cannot find a premises in September, it's going to add to the two year waiting list in all other places. It's the start of something, not the end of it," she warned.
Councillor Kiely also issued an appeal to the owners of any vacant properties in the city to offer their premises to the pre-school.