Regulation 29 in Galway
Premises: 23 non-compliance(s) in the latest reports we read.
An inspection records what inspectors saw on one day; services respond with corrective actions — how to read this.
7 May 2026
Mothercare Creche, Loughrea · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (b) See Statutory Notice section in relation to Improvement Notice: IN0462 served. (d) The registered provider did not ensure that the premises were maintained and repaired as required: 1. Exposed pipes were visible and accessible in the following areas- • Children’s sanitary/changing area on the ground floor at the fire exit door. • In the doorless cupboard in the children’s sanitary area. • An upright heating pipe on the floor of the Pre-school care room on the first floor at the external fire exit door. In discussion, the registered provider stated that the current electrical and civil works are ongoing, when the children are not in the building, to finalise the conditions for completion of the fire certificate. 2. Electrical wiring was visibly hanging down from ceilings throughout the building where the illuminated fire exit signs were being fitted including- • Pre-school care room on the first floor. • Children’s sanitary/changing area. • Kitchen on the ground floor at the fire exit doors. 3. Rough edges of plaster board were visible on the frame of the fire door which led to the external fire staircase in place at the rear of the building off the Pre-school care room. 4. There was a doorless storage cupboard in the ground floor children’s sanitary/changing room with four pieces of cut off plasterboard, stacked inside the doorless cupboard. 5. Exposed hardened foam, from tiles positioned on the lower wall to the right of the fire exit door, in the children’s sanitary area on the ground floor was visible and sticking out from the wall. 6. A panel of wood, located under the wash hand basin in the children’s sanitary/changing room on the ground floor, had gaps on both sides. In conversation, the registered provider stated that a vanity unit had been ordered but had not yet been fitted
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) (1) All previous exposed pipes in the following areas have been covered and are no longer accessible by the Children: • Children’s sanitary/changing area on the ground floor at the fire exit door. • In the doorless cupboard in the children’s sanitary area which has new shelving. • The heating pipe in the Pre-school care room on the first floor at the external fire exit door. (2) All illuminate fire exit signs have been fitted in the following areas: • Pre-school care room on the first floors: • Children’s sanitary/changing area. • Kitchen on the ground floor at the fire exit doors. (3) All edges around the fire doors have been plastered including the fire exit door in the Pre-school care room. (4) The plasterboards were removed from the doorless cupboard and new shelving installed in the sanitary/nappy changing room. (5) All exposed hardened foam has been removed from the area. The area has now been completely tiled ceiling to floor. (6) A new vanity unit has been installed in the sink area of the sanitary/changing room on the ground floor
24 April 2026
Cairde Early Learning Centre, Loughrea · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) 1. It was observed on day 1 that the middle tap in one of three wash hand basins in the children’s changing area, on the ground floor, could not be turned on. In conversation, a staff member stated that this had been reported to management previously. It was acknowledged that on day 2 a new tap had been ordered 2. On day 1 it was observed the vent in the ground floor changing area was covered in dust. It was acknowledged that this was had been cleaned on day 2. The area manager stated that the vents would be added to the cleaning schedule
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statements were received by the registered provider; (d) 1. All taps have been replaced in the children’s changing area on the ground floor. These will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are working effectively. 2. The vent in the ground floor changing are a was cleaned on day 2. These have since been added to the cleaning schedule to ensure that they are kept clean
17 April 2026
Scoil Iosa Pre School & After School, Oranmore · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) The mechanical air vent grille in the Jumping Joeys sanitary area was filled with dust potentially impacting the efficiency of the ventilation system. It was acknowledged that this had been cleaned on the morning of day 2
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) Corrective and Preventive Action • The mechanical air vent grille in the Jumping Joeys sanitary area was cleaned. This has been added to the weekly cleaning list of all three care rooms to ensure that they are maintained in a clean state to facilitate the circulation of fresh air
4 March 2026
Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group, Ballinasloe · Regulation 29 — Premises
- 1. The ventilation system in the internal sanitary area attached to the Toddler area, did not appear to be working. There was no sound from the system when it was turned on and did not create a suction, the poor ventilation system may result in poor quality air circulation and the prevent the extraction of contaminated/foul air from the premises. There were black spots on the ceiling, the inspectorate team were informed that it was a result of a broken sink in the sanitary area above this toilet which leaked down and stained the ceiling tiles. 2. The sleep room attached to the Baby room did not have any form of ventilation. The staff did not have access to the openable windows that were positioned high up over the cots. The window ledges were used to store boxes of toys and other items which prevented the windows from being opened. 3. The hand-washing sink in the upstairs children’s sanitary area was blocked off and not in use by the children, which resulted in 16 children using 1 hand washing basin. It was acknowledged that the service manager informed the inspection team that plumber was appointed to fix the issue and was awaiting parts to fix the taps
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following in their reply: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. The fan in the ventilation system was replaced to help with air flow. The ceiling tiles have also been replaced in the sanitary area. 2. The window ledges in the baby room were cleared of storage boxes, and the staff now have access to the two windows which allow ventilation to the sleep room. 3. The sink was repaired in the children’s sanitary area, and the children have access to running water to effectively wash hands
25 February 2026
Acorn to Oak Childcare, Portumna · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (c) 1. The ceiling light in the Wobbler sanitary area was flickering. This made visibility difficult for the children who used this sanitary area. A new replacement bulb and maintenance was required. 2. One of four tubular ceiling lights was not working in the Junior Montessori room 1. This made shadows in the room. A new replacement bulb and maintenance was required to provide adequate lighting for the preschool children. (d) 3. There was no entry door handle on the Wobbler toilet (sanitary area), this made it difficult to open and close the door. This needed maintenance and repair. (e) 4. One adult toilet and 1 wash hand basin was available for 16 adults who were working on the premises. There were not enough designated adult toilets and wash hand basins onsite for the adult/staff who were working on the day of inspection. A minimum of one toilet and one wash hand basin is required for every eight adult/staff working on the premises
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. An electrician has been booked to repair the ceiling lights in the wobbler room on April 11th. 2. An electrician has been booked to repair the ceiling lights in the junior Montessori room on April 11th. 3. The maintenance staff member will repair the door handle once the recruitment process is completed. 4. Staff now have the use of an additional toilet within the service that is not needed for the children due to nappy changing needs
28 January 2026
Naíonra Mhaigh Cuilinn, Maigh Cuilinn · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) At variance with the outdoor service policy which states the area should be safe, suitable and clean for the age group of children using the area and a daily risk assessment should be carried out to maintain the safety and security of the children in the area. 1. The ground surface in the designated outdoor play area to the rear of the building across the carpark was covered with debris from overhanging trees and neighbouring hedges, wet leaves and moss. The area needed cleaning and maintenance. 2. The shed wall facing the designated play area had old, faded murals and flaking paint, this wall needed power washing, cleaning, painting and maintenance. 3. The wooden floor and steps on the tree house/activity centre in the designated play area was weather beaten and paint was peeling off it. This unit needed cleaning, painting and maintenance. 4. The coloured plastic blocks under the tree house were dirty and in need of cleaning and maintenance. 5. There was evidence of a dirty wet towel and blue dish cloth on the ground beside the fencing to the designated play area on the 28/01/2026. These items needed to be adequately cleaned and maintained. (e) 6. Visibility strips were required on the glass window and glass on main entrance door to the lobby area adjacent to the sanitary area and naionra playroom to prevent passerby’s viewing the children when coming out of the toilets
Provider's corrective action:
- On the 27/03/2026 and 17/04/2026 the registered provider advised of the following. Corrective and Preventive Action (d) 1. The designated outdoor play area has been cleaned and maintained. The area will be maintained regularly going forward. 2. The shed wall has been cleaned maintained and painted. 3. The wooden tree house/activity centre has been cleaned, maintained and painted. 4. The plastic blocks in the designated play area were removed for a thorough cleaning. 5. The dirty dish cloth and wet towel were removed from the area. (e) 6. A laminated sheet was placed on the window and glass on the entrance door to the lobby area
7 January 2026
Naíonra Scoil Mhuire, Galway · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (b) The 2 wooden gates in the outdoor play area to the rear of the premises did not have an adequate secure system that was inaccessible to the preschool children. It was acknowledged that the 2 gates had a bolt but were accessible to the preschool children and to unsupervised adults. The present system posed a potential risk of entry by strangers and egress of a preschool child. (c) There was a very strong unpleasant sewage-like smell in the playroom on the 7/1/2026 despite 3 open windows in the playroom the smell persisted. This posed a potential risk of poor maintenance and a risk of harm to the children and staff. (d) The outdoor play area to the rear of the premises was unkept and not adequately maintained. There was a potential risk of illness or harm to the children playing in this area. 1. The boundary walls were stained black with mould and in need of power hose cleaning and painting. 2. The concrete ground surface was unkept and slippery with moss, additionally, there was a drainage area with a build-up of mud, the area needed cleaning and maintenance. 3. The walls in the sheltered area beside the black board were not adequately maintained with areas of no paint and rust marks were visible. This area needed painting and maintenance. 4. Weeds were visible along the boundary wall and trailing ivy was overhanging from the wall, this area needed a tidy up and maintenance 5. The sheltered area had leaves and foliage on the ground surface that required sweeping and maintenance. (e) There was no designated nappy changing area with a designated wash hand basin or any airtight foot pedalled nappy bin available in the preschool service. However, it was noted that a large nappy changing unit was inappropriately stored in the sanitary area within the preschool playroom. Following discussion and review of a nappy changing notebook, this changing unit has been used throughout the year until the last entry was noted in November 2025. It is recommended that for every 11 children in a nappy one wash hand basin and one designated nappy changing area is required
Provider's corrective action:
- On the 16/01/2026,19/01/2026 and 13/02/2026 the registered provider advised of the following. Corrective and Preventive Action (b) The gates have been secured with a new double system and an extra lock and key for the staff to maintain safety of the children while the children are playing in the outdoor play area. (c) A competent person has investigated the plumbing system in the preschool playroom and sanitary area. Further investigations are scheduled during the school holidays. -Additionally, the septic tank system has been cleaned on the 12/02/2026. (d) Point 1-5. A maintenance person was contacted and the cleaning, power hosing and maintenance of the outdoor play area to the rear of the premises was carried out. Painting of the walls is scheduled for the Springtime when the weather improves. (e) The nappy changing unit has been removed and no child is wearing a nappy in the service at present
16 December 2025
Pixie Lane Creche Montessori, Athenry · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) There were 3 damaged ceiling tiles in the Baby/Wobbler sanitary area; 1 tile was water damaged, a second tile on the ceiling of the Baby nappy changing area was broken and a third tile in the main sanitary area was also broken
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statement was received from the registered provider: (d) The 3 damaged ceiling tiles in the Baby/Wobbler sanitary area have been replaced
2 December 2025
Rosebuds Pre-School, Taylors Hill · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) 1. There was evidence of wood rot on the wooden fascia on the gable end (above the entrance door to Playroom 1) and the surrounding building, this required maintenance and repair. It was acknowledged by the registered provider that it was brought to the attention of the board of management of the national school previously. This non-compliance remains outstanding since the previous report on 11/11/2024
Provider's corrective action:
- On 5/1/2026 the registered provider advised of the following. Corrective and Preventive Action Some maintenance and repair work was carried out on the wooden fascia above the entrance door to Playroom 1 only on the 5/1/2026. It was acknowledged that further repair works, sanding and painting was expected to be carried out in the spring of 2026. The preschool service will keep a closer eye on the exterior building and will liaise with the primary school board of management for the future works to be carried out
21 November 2025
Bubbles Creche, Knocknacarra · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (e) There was one nappy changing mat in use in the Baby/Playschool sanitary area where two were required. The requirement is 1 nappy mat to 11 children. There was a total of 18 children, 6 from the Baby care room and 12 from the Playschool care room using the same nappy mat on the day of inspection. It is acknowledged that the registered provider sent in a photograph of two changing mats in the sanitary area the following day
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statement was received from the registered provider. (e) Two changing mats are now in use for both the Baby and Playschool children requiring nappy changing
14 November 2025
Sea Garden Childcare, Leenane · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (b) 1. A yellow wheelie bin was accessible and stored at the entrance to the preschool service. This requires a safe secure location inaccessible to the preschool children. 2. An old mud kitchen was left against the portacabin and 2 impact absorbing slabs (red and black in colour) were located near the entrance gate to the preschool service posing a risk of safety to the children entering and leaving the service. 3. The window opening was difficult to access as there was material stuck with velcro adhesive and blue tac to block out the sunlight on both windows thereby making it difficult to open the windows in the designated sleep room if remedial action was required
Provider's corrective action:
- On the 23/12/2025 and the 15/01/2026 the registered provider advised of the following. Corrective and Preventive Action (b) 1. The yellow wheelie bin was immediately moved to a safe and secure location, inaccessible to the preschool children. All waste bins and non-child-related equipment will be kept in secure, designated locations at all times. A new enclosure for the wheelie bin was expected to be built in the new year. 2. The old mud kitchen was removed from the area and disposed of, as it was broken and posed a safety risk. The outdoor area and entrance points will be checked regularly to ensure that no hazardous items are stored in areas accessible to children. 3. All materials previously attached to the windows using velcro adhesive and blue tac were removed. Appropriate curtains were installed to allow for easy window opening, effective ventilation and safe cleaning of the windows. Windows and ventilation points will be kept clear and accessible to allow for prompt action in the event of an emergency or for ventilation purposes
13 November 2025
Ballinderreen Community Childcare & Education Centre, Ballinderreen · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) Paint was chipped and missing from the following areas;
- • The wall under the book shelving in the ECCE 1 care room where the edges of the shelving were noted to be rough. • The outdoor windowsills of the ECCE 2 care room. 2. Two wooden chairs in the upstairs area of the ECCE 2 care room had residue build up on the arms of each side of the chairs. 3. Two light fittings in the ECCE 2 care room were covered in cobwebs and dust
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statements were received from the registered provider: Corrective and Preventive Action
- • The wall under the book shelving in the ECCE 1 care room where the edges of the shelving were noted to be rough have been sanded and painted. • The painters have been contacted and the painting of the outdoor windowsills of the ECCE 2 care room will be completed when the weather improves. 2. The 2 wooden chairs in the upstairs area to the ECCE 2 care room which had a build-up of residue on the arms of each side of the chairs have been cleaned. 3. The 2 light fittings in the ECCE 2 care room which were covered in cobwebs and dust have been cleaned and added to the cleaning check list. This has been added to the agenda for discussion at our next staff meeting
2 October 2025
Millbrook Creche, Tuam · Regulation 29 — Premises
- On the day of inspection at 12:30pm, the temperature of the water for handwashing in the children’s sanitary area was recorded at 48.1° C and 47.1°C. The temperature of the water in the nappy changing area was also recorded at 47.4°C. The temperature of the hot water for hand washing should not exceed 43°C as this may pose a scalding risk to the children using these wash hand basins
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following in their reply: Corrective and Preventive Action The water temperature was adjusted to below 43 °C and will be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that it does not exceed 43°C in the future. Summary Comment The inspector reviewed the actions submitted. The non-compliances identified under regulation 29 have been adequately addressed
10 September 2025
KJD Childcare LTD, Glenamaddy · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) 1. Patches of dampness and areas of flaking paint were visible inside the entrance door of the Playschool care room. 2. Areas of peeling paint were visible in the sanitary area of the ECCE sanitary area below the hand dryer
Provider's corrective action:
- The following statement was received from the manager; 1. and 2. The painter is scheduled to commence work on the weekend of 17/10/2025 in the Playschool care room and the ECCE sanitary area. The registered provider will conduct regular maintenance to ensure the service is maintained and repaired
26 May 2025
Happily Ever After, Tuam · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) (1) A vent on the ceiling in the upstairs toilet was covered in dust impeding the circulation of fresh air. This was observed as a non-compliance on the last inspection carried out on the 11 April 2024 in which the registered providers stated, in the corrective and preventive actions, that the vent was cleaned and would be monitored, this was not found on inspection. (2) There was no door on the staffroom kitchen, which was accessible to the children, where there was electrical equipment, posing a safety risk to the children. This had been highlighted on 2 previous inspections carried out on 18 February 2023 and 11 April 2024 in which the registered providers stated that it had been addressed, however this was not found on inspection. (3) Paint was peeling from a pipe located on the ceiling of the upstairs nappy changing area. (4) Tiles were missing in the adult toilet of the Toddler care room, this was highlighted on the previous inspection of 11 April 2024. In conversation, the registered providers stated funding is now in place and quotes are being prepared for the works required
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) (1) All vents have been checked and cleaned. Management and staff will regularly check to ensure that the vents are clean to facilitate the circulation of fresh air and the removal of stale air. (2) A half door with a secure device, which is inaccessible by the children, is now in place ensuring the safety of the children. Staff have been reminded of the importance of keeping the door secured. (3) The area around the pipe of the upstairs sanitary area has been repaired and painted. Management will check to ensure the area remains in a good state of repair. (4) The area underneath the sink has been repaired and the tiles have been replaced. The tiles will be checked to ensure that they are not damaged and repairs will be carried out, if required
21 May 2025
Wild Roots Preschool & Afterschool Limited, Athenry · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) The following non compliances could pose a safety risk to the children attending. 1. There were areas of bare plaster present on the ceiling of the kitchen, resulting from unfinished construction work to rectify the presence of mould at the previous inspection dated the 12/11/2024. 2. There were areas of peeling paint around the window in the Junior playrooms, peeling paint was observed to be present on the floor. 3. Areas of the rust were present on the radiator adjacent to the hand washing sink in the Junior playroom. (e) 4. On the day of inspection, there were 3 wash hand basins in the children’s sanitary area when 4 were required. This was highlighted in a previous report, dated the 25/01/2023. The registered provider had stated in the corrective and preventive action plan that a new wash hand basin would be installed; however, this had not taken place. 5. There was no hot water for effective hand washing in the sinks in the nappy changing area and in the Junior playroom. 6. The tap was broken in the low-level hand washing sink in Junior playroom. This sink and the surrounding paint work was also badly stained and was not clean
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following in their reply: Corrective and Preventive Action The service is now closed for renovations and all necessary works will be carried out to ensure that they comply with regulations. The service will be reopening in August 2025
9 April 2025
Naíonra Chlúidín na mBabaí, Baile Chláir · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) The painted floor at the entrance to the preschool service was worn and required maintenance and repainting
Provider's corrective action:
- On 9/06/2025 and 10/06/2025 the registered provider advised of the following. Corrective and Preventive Action The floor at the entrance to the preschool has been painted and maintained. The flooring at the entrance to the preschool has been added to the daily risk assessment now. A regular check will be kept on the floor surface to ensure it is clean and maintained
11 February 2025
Ionad Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh Teo, Indreabhan · Regulation 29 — Premises
- 1 . Tiles were missing or fallen off in the children’s sanitary area and the adult sanitary area. This was a non- compliance on the previous inspection dated the 11/06/2024. 2. The woodwork on the exterior of the building was weather beaten and in need of repair. This was a non- compliance on the previous inspection dated the 11/06/2024
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated that: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. The tiles were repaired in the children’s and adult’s sanitary area. 2. The contractor sent an email that the work would be carried out during the summer
30 January 2025
Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta Naíonra Charn Mhór, An Carn Mór · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (c) 1. The sanitary area used by the preschool children was not adequately heated. The area was cold with a temperature reading of 8.4 C this poses a risk to the preschool children. (d) 2. There were areas of the walls in the community hall with no paint, flaking paint and evidence of mould this required maintenance and repainting. 3. Two emergency exit doors in the hall showed signs of rust, one door panel was cracked, and the doors were worn, and gaps were observed around the doors. The two emergency exit doors required replacement
Provider's corrective action:
- On the 18/03/2025 the registered provider advised of the following. Corrective and Preventive Action (c) 1. A new fan heater and hand dryer has been installed in the preschool children’s sanitary area. The staff will ensure the heater is turned on each day while the preschool is in operation. (d) 2. The community hall will not be in use until the maintenance works are completed
- The community hall will not be in use until the two new emergency doors have been installed and relevant maintenance work completed
23 January 2025
Childrens Republic, Craughwell · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (e) A designated wash hand basin was not available for effective handwashing at nappy changing procedures. This may pose as a risk of cross infection for a preschool child
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated in their response: Corrective and Preventive Action (e) The wash hand basin in the nappy changing area will be fitted over the break to ensure that the risk of cross infection is reduced
16 October 2024
Laura's Laugh 'N' Learn, Roscahill · Regulation 29 — Premises
- 1. The mechanical air vent in the nappy changing area near the Toddler room was not clean, it was dirty and dusty
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following: Corrective and Preventive Action The air vents are included in the cleaning schedule and are cleaned regularly
16 July 2024
Little Red Hen Creche, Rahoon · Regulation 29 — Premises
- 1. In the children’s sanitary area in the sessional building there was 2 toilets and 1 wash hand basis. A second wash hand basin was required. 2. There were 12 adults in attendance on the day with 1 adult toilet and wash hand basin. The ratio is 1 toilet and wash hand basin for every 8 adults
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider responded on the 12/08/2024 to say that: Corrective and Preventive Action 1. One toilet is being removed so an additional hand basin is not required for this area. The front building has an additional children’s toilet which will be used for ratio of children in the back building 2. An additional staff toilet that will include a hand basin will be installed downstairs in the front building
17 May 2024
gCroi Og, Athenry · Regulation 29 — Premises
- The following posed a risk of cross infection: (c) 1. The children and the staff sanitary areas were not adequately ventilated either naturally through an openable window or by means of mechanical ventilation. 2. There was no hot running water in the children’s and the staff sanitary area to effectively wash hands after outdoor play and using the toilet
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following: 1. The ventilation system for the staff sanitary area was cleaned and is in working order. A new ventilation system will be installed over the next few weeks and photographic evidence will be submitted once work is completed. 2. The hot water value was replaced and the temperature was increased and is current set at 33°c . It will be monitored ,to ensure this does not happen again,