Magee daycare unit not viable says University

Universities Minister Dr Stephen Farry said the decision was taken with the support of the Student Union, which he says, has proposed monies saved by the closure be spent helping students with childcare costs.

He also said parents were informed of the closure by letter after trade unions and staff were consulted.

“The University has advised that the decision has been taken because the childcare provision has continued to sustain a significant annual deficit of approximately £114k and is therefore no longer economically viable,” said Dr Farry.

“Also, the University points out that between the two campuses 23 students use the childcare facilities with the majority of students with childcare needs choosing to receive direct financial support in order to avail of childcare facilities closer to their homes/places of residence.”

The Magee facility alone has recorded a deficit every year since 2003/4, the Minister claimed.

An EU grant of £193,500 for construction of the facility was received in 1999 but no EU funding has been received since then.