PLANS to convert the Heritage Centre in Caragh into a creche got planning permission after overcoming a number of obstacles.
A Naas firm called Halkirk Property Ltd owned by Mick McGinn from TwoMileHouse made the original application on 10 September, 2025 to extend the 10-year-old building – also used as a community centre - into a childcare facility with a floor area of 122 sqm.
This will see the removal of some stone cladding, and the addition of at least three new windows, however a lot of issues with the original application began to put this possibility in some jeopardy.
A council planner said the developer had neglected to “provide sufficient details in relation to the operation of the proposed creche such as how many children, how many staff, the proposed age profile there, whether it was going to be fulltime, sessional or after-school”.
This was compounded by not mentioning official opening hours, details about the kitchen, or whether there were any sleeping or changing areas.
The company also neglected to include a landscaping plan, or one for any external play area, or details on parking and charging facilities.
However, despite these initial omissions, Halkirk was subsequently able to satisfy the planners with resolutions to all shortcomings.
The original permission for the Heritage Centre was granted in 2016, and a subsequent one to turn the building into a two-storey apartment block was turned down, ostensibly, because of the community need and the visual intrusion on the village as it is at the top of a hill.
While there was some initial opposition to the plan in the community, it seems residents have come round to the idea.
‘I think there are two other childcare facilities in the village, and we’d welcome more, but we need a community space for the village,’ wrote one resident.’
He added: ‘Presently we’re using the church meeting rooms, but it would be good to keep a community element with this development.
‘I’m glad the planner has noted this should be maintained, but I’m happy enough to let it roll on, and we’d certainly welcome this with open arms.’
