Cornamaddy childcare facility for over 100 children gets go-ahead

Westmeath County Council has granted planning permission for the development of a two-storey childcare facility with capacity for more than 100 children in Cornamaddy, Athlone.

The plans for the project were submitted by Marina Quarter Ltd, which is also seeking separate planning permission for the development of new housing in the Cornamaddy area.

According to the plans, the childcare facility is to include 114 childcare spaces, and will require 30 staff members.

The site for the project is just off the Cornamaddy roundabout, across from the Drumaconn housing estate and close to Cornamaddy National School.

Planning permission was granted on February 3, and the project is due to include classrooms, a reception, a kitchen, associated staff areas and office, toilets, storage, plant rooms and solar panels at roof level.

A secure outdoor play area, 18 car parking spaces and 20 bicycle spaces also form part of the planned development.

The planning application was submitted last June and the council subsequently sought further information on it, including a request for a reconfiguration of the planned car parking arrangements, and a pedestrian management plan.

Planning permission has now been awarded by the council, subject to eleven conditions, one of which is that the developer pays a development contribution to the local authority of €18,867.