Fine Gael T.D. for Dublin North West, Noel Rock has called the decision by Lidl Ireland to ask the owners of a Drumcondra crèche to vacate a building purchased by the company by the end of the month as disgraceful.

The Nest crèche on Drumcondra Road employs 27 people and cares for some 100 local children.

The building they are located in was recently bought by Lidl Ireland as they plan to build a supermarket in the area. The company submitted planning permission to Dublin City Council but permission has yet to be granted.

Deputy Rock said: “This news is both shocking and devastating for young, local families who are currently using this much needed facility for their children. Drumcondra already has a low number of pre-school childcare facilities.

“With the crèche expected to close in three weeks’ time, families are left with a short amount of time to try and find an alternative arrangement with many other local facilities at capacity.

“I am calling on Lidl Ireland to extend the eviction notice of the crèche and give families more time to find alternative arrangements.

“I am puzzled as to why Lidl would want the building vacated despite the fact that planning permission has not been granted for the proposed supermarket.

“Locals are already concerned about this supermarket in terms of traffic and Lidl have done very little to curb the pessimism by enforcing the closure of a much needed local facility.

“I’m actively contacting a number of local organisations and groups to either find replacement assistance or find suitable space should this eviction notice stand. It is important that the families are assisted in every way possible.

I will be writing to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and calling on her and her officials to assist the families in finding a solution.” concluded Deputy Rock.