By Róise Collins

A much-needed childcare facility in the east of the county remains stalled more than 14 months after its planning permission was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, despite a growing childcare crisis in Donegal.

The planned crèche, earmarked for the former River Club nightclub at Cloughfin, Castlefin, would cater for more than 100 children, ranging from six-month-old infants to after-school age.

However, the project has been left in limbo due to an appeal lodged by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in August 2024.

Dublin native Sara Fitton, who is the Director of the project, said the delay has left families without vital services and placed enormous strain on efforts to address the county’s chronic childcare shortage.

“There is a massive crisis with childcare and our goal is to have a facility in the area that gives parents stability and opportunity,” she told the Donegal News.

“But three years on we are no further forward.”

Mrs Fitton, who moved to Donegal several years ago and had to leave her job due to lack of childcare, was inspired to create a facility that would meet the needs of working families.

She partnered with her former childminder, who holds a Level 8 childcare degree and began working on plans for the River Club site in 2022.

With support from her husband, an engineer, the team submitted their application in August 2023.

Their planning permission to change the use of the existing licensed premises to a childcare facility was given the green light by Donegal County Council.

But just a week later, TII lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanála (ABP), halting all progress.

The state agency’s appeal argues that the proposed development’s direct access to the high-speed N15 conflicts with national policy, poses traffic safety risks and threatens the strategic function of the road network.

Mrs Fitton stressed this was taken into consideration when drafting their plans. She explained that staggered starting times would be implemented and the use of the local greenway and public transport would be encouraged to ease traffic on the main road.

“It was just a flat appeal. No negotiations, no opportunity for compromise. Everything is paused,” Mrs Fitton said.

She also highlighted significant issues with backlogs at ABP that need urgent attention.

“We now have no dates or even an estimated timeline as our plans are just sitting on someone’s desk at An Bord Pleanála.”

Despite repeated efforts to get updates, Mrs Fitton has been told only that the case is still “with the inspector.”

Though the average turnaround time is supposed to be 18 weeks, their application has been with ABP for over 14 months. A decision due to make its decision on December 9, 2024. However, it remains outstanding.

“We were told cases are assessed on a priority basis, but it feels like our childcare facility is not considered a priority.”

“The system is broken.”

The delays come amid growing pressure on childcare places across Donegal. According to a recent Pobal report, more than 2,000 children are currently on waiting lists for services, highlighting the urgent need for additional places and adding to the frustration for families.

While awaiting a decision, Mrs Fitton and her team have launched a smaller-scale after-school service under the name Cherry Blossom Childcare at Gleneely National School in Killygordon, which has already seen strong demand.

However, this service can’t accommodate children under school age – the age group where demand is highest. From conversations with local parents, Mrs Fitton said it’s clear the demand is there.

“Two other local crèches both have lengthy waiting lists,” she added.

The proposed River Club facility includes plans for outdoor play areas, including polytunnels and other nature-based features. Mrs Fitton described the importance of connecting children with nature in a technology driven world.

“But we’re only really able to do something big enough to meet the need at the River Club.”

She also believes the project could breathe new life into the building which has been vacant since 2017.

“We want to do something in the community for the community,” she said.

She spoke of how they even plan to retain the venue’s original dancefloor as a nod to its past. Throughout the process, the team has received strong backing from the building’s landlord, Tommy O’Neill.

“We’re lucky we found each other,” Mrs Fitton said.

“He’s been incredibly understanding throughout this process and we haven’t gone looking elsewhere.”

With a dedicated team in place, including her former childminder who now manages the after-school service, and families awaiting spaces, Mrs Fitton said they are ready to move forward. They just need a decision from ABP.

The Donegal News contacted ABP for an update but we had not yet received a response at the time of going to print.