Regulation 29 in Louth
Premises: 18 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.
11 May 2026
Cuddles Creche P&S Ltd, Tallanstown · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) The sanitary area located off the Toddler room contained a staff toilet and a child toilet, both of which, when flushed, remained full of water for periods of up to 2 hours before returning to normal water levels, indicating a partial blockage
Provider's corrective action:
- Following correspondence with Uisce Eireann, we were informed that a burst pipe on the main road may have caused blockages within the local water system, which could be contributing to the issue experienced on the premises. As this appears to be a recurring problem, the matter has been raised with the landlord. The landlord has arranged for a plumber to attend the property (outside of working hours) and carry out a full flush of the system to help resolve the issue and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences. The situation will continue to be monitored, and any further concerns will be reported promptly to the landlord and the relevant utility provider. We will continue our daily risk assessments regarding this issue also
21 April 2026
Pugwash Bay LTD, Drogheda · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) Areas of wear and tear and chipped paint around hand-wash sinks and nappy changing area were observed as follows • At the hand-wash sink in the Zebra care room • At the hand wash sinks and the nappy changing area in the Zebra sanitary area • At the handwash sink in the Little Lions sanitary area
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) At the hand-wash sink in the Zebra care room a washable vinyl tile covering was installed around the sink area to protect the wall surface from water damage and facilitate effective cleaning in the room. Staff have been reminded to report any damaged surfaces or chipped paint immediately. Regular health and safety checks will be carried out to ensure repairs are completed in a timely manner
1 April 2026
Stepping Stones, Dundalk · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (c) 1. One of the ceiling lights was not working in the Playroom and in also in the Preschool Room. This does not provide adequate lighting for tabletop activities especially in the Playroom. 2. On Day 1 there was a lingering odour in the small hallway outside the Preschool Room. (d) A deep clean was required throughout the service as areas were not maintained and cleaned adequately for example. 1. There were visible cobwebs hanging from the ceilings in the corridors and in the Play Room and dust and dirt particles on some of the skirtings. 2. There was mould on the wall in the sanitary accommodation outside the Toddler Room. 3. The ceiling tiles in the Play Room, Preschool Room and corridor were stained and had black dirt on them. In addition, the ceiling tiles in the staff toilet were stained and bowed leaving large gaps in the ceiling. 4. Cleaning schedules were not up to date with none completed in the Preschool Room since September 2025 as stated by the registered provider and the last available schedule dated February 2026 in the Play Room. 5. The orange sofa in the in the Preschool Room was in a state of disrepair as there were tears at the edges. (e) 1. The nappy changing unit in the service was not suitable for use as it stated it was only suitable for use for children up to 12months/ 11kgs. All children requiring their nappy changed were over 2 years of age. 2. The toilet beside the Toddler Room was not adequately maintained as • There was no seat on the toilet • There was no single use hand towels or liquid soap available in the sanitary accommodation
Provider's corrective action:
- (c) 1. The registered provider has since contracted an electrician to check the lights. Bulbs have been replaced. 2. The building has been deep cleaned. (d) 1&2.The building has since been deep cleaned. New cleaning rotas have been put in place and staff are required to carry out daily cleaning checks. 3. The registered provider has contacted the landlord to replace the damaged ceiling lights. 4. Cleaning rotas have since been updated which staff are required to complete daily. Person in charge to check daily cleaning requirements have been carried out. 5. Any damaged equipment has since been removed. Manager to ensure all equipment is fit for purpose. (e) 1. Children have since been changed on a changing mat on the floor. Staff have been made aware to change nappies on a changing mat on the floor in order to ensure health and safety guidelines are being adhered. 2. The toilet beside the toddler room has since been replaced. Manager/person in charge to ensure there is soap/hand towels in all bathrooms. Daily checks have since been carried out to ensure all bathrooms have sufficient hand wash and hand towels
25 February 2026
Moneymore Childcare Centre, Drogheda · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) • The child sized sofas in the Toddler room had torn edges on each piece of the sofa. • The water pressure from the taps in the ECCE room 2 preschool sanitary area was insufficient. One tap was a slow trickle and warm water was not available, the second tap pressure was too high and splashed around the sink and floor when turned to warm. It is acknowledged that the children used an alternative sink for handwashing on the day of inspection (low level sink in the ECCE 2 care room). (e) The water in Baby Room 2 handwash basin was not thermostatically controlled to a maximum 43°C. At 12.07pm the water in this sink was 46°C. It is acknowledged that this is a mixer tap and children cannot independently access the tap
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) The registered provider stated as discussed on inspection the service was in the process of purchasing new seating and had been awaiting samples, the new seating has been purchased for all rooms. The leather chairs have been replaced with removable fabric sofas which can be unzipped and washed. This has been added to the cleaning schedule. The pressure in the taps has been adjusted, and warm water is now available at all three sinks. Maintenance checks will be carried out in all rooms to ensure amenities are well maintained and in working order. Staff were remined to report any issues immediately. (e) A thermostat has been fitted to the baby room 2 sink and staff will monitor and report any issues
9 January 2026
Scallywags Crèche, Drogheda · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (c) 1. The room temperatures throughout the service at various times throughout the day of inspection were not maintained at 18-22 o C as per best practice guidelines and so as to ensure a comfortable environment for the children For example; • At 8.40am the room temperature in the Wobbler Room was recorded at 16.6o C. • At 9.10am the room temperature in the Preschool room was recorded at 17.2o C • At 11:30 the temperatures in the sanitary accommodation off the Preschool Room were recorded at 16o C and 15.7O C.. • On review of documentation available of the room temperatures from the 5th of January 2026, room temperatures in the Preschool room were recorded as low as 10o C at 9.30am. 2. There was not an adequate means of recording the room temperatures in the service. For example, in the Preschool Room there was a paper wall thermometer which was not working. As a result the staff were observed to use the thermometer used to check the children’s temperatures to try and record the room temperatures. (e)In the nappy changing area off the Wobbler room the hot tap on the sink was broken and not working. There was no hot water available in this sink. Once it was brought to the staff’s attention it is acknowledged that the maintenance person and registered provider carried out maintenance works during the inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- 1. The heating time clocks were out of sync due to a power outage over the holiday period this was duly adjusted and the heating was restored immediately. 2. New thermometers have been purchased and are now in place in each room. All staff have been instructed to monitor the temperatures in their rooms, and should there be any issues to report to management immediately. 3. All taps are now functioning correctly. Staff have been instructed to contact management when they notice any weakness or inefficiency on the mechanism of the taps, to enable maintenance to be carried out to prevent a complete breakdown, this is now include on the risk assessment
3 December 2025
Lios na nOg Playgroup CLG, Dundalk · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) 1. There were accumulations of dust and black particles on the nappy changing unit off Room 2 and the nappy changing unit in the sanitary area off Room 3 was not maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. Grime and dirt were observed along the edges of the bin unit. 2. The following items were in a state of disrepair, the cushions in Prefab 1 were showing signs of wear and tear. The green and red covered cushions in the rest areas in Room 4 and were cracked and had fabric exposed. This also does not allow for effective cleaning
Provider's corrective action:
- (d) 1. Nappy changing unit has been cleaned and the bin unit replaced with a foot pedal bin. The nappy changing units have always been sanitized after every use and at the end of each session. Change to nappy changing policy to reflect the use of pedal bin. 2. Cushions that were reported to show wear and tear have been replaced with new cushions Observation of the cushions and nappy changing units will continue
7 October 2025
Little People Pre-School, Carlingford · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (c) 1. A strong odour was present in the 2 sanitary areas and extended into the adjoining lobby and storage area. This is a recurring non-compliance from the last inspection that was carried out on 17/01/2023. The corrective and preventative actions submitted at this time in response to the non-compliance have not removed or rectified the lingering odour which still persists. (d) 2. The cover of the ceiling mounted ventilation fan was covered in a thick layer of dirt and dust
Provider's corrective action:
- s (C) 1. The drain on the outside of the building was emptied, any surplus water in the shower drain and bathrooms was cleaned out. Due to the showers not in use, the plumber has informed the register provider to pour boiling water and disinfectant into the drains on a daily basis. This process has now been incorporated into the daily cleaning routine. The registered provider has acknowledged upon do so over the past few weeks that the odour has now subsided. The register provider has ensured that this daily process of disinfecting the drains will continue. (d) 2. The vent was cleaned and is working properly. The register provider will ensure that the vent will remain dust free
23 July 2025
Ready Steady Grow, Dundalk · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d)The corners of a soft floor mat in the Wobbler room were torn, with exposed foam and therefore could not be adequately cleaned
Provider's corrective action:
- s The orange soft floor mat in the Wobbler Room has been removed of and disposed of. All equipment and soft floor furnishings will be inspected thoroughly and discarded if necessary and replaced with new materials
19 June 2025
Tots & Co Playgroup, Drogheda · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) In the sanitary accommodation off the Junior Preschool Room there was exposed expanding insulating foam around piping in both toilets. This was at a low level and accessible to the preschool child and a health and safety hazard
Provider's corrective action:
- s The pipes will be covered in with small wooden boxes so that they will not be accessible to the children. This is planned to be completed before reopening on26/08/2025
20 May 2025
Dun Dealgan Childcare, Dundalk · Regulation 29 — Premises
- 1. In the toilet off the Aqua Room, mould spots were evident along the edges of the ceiling. Paint was observed chipping off the walls in places and there was a lingering odour of ‘damp’. In addition, there was a lingering odour of damp emanating into the hallway when the door to the Discovery room opened. 2. The second toilet in the Aqua Room was kept locked throughout the inspection and after the morning session chairs were stored in front of the door. The toilet was therefore not freely accessible at all times to the children. This was also evident when all the children were queuing to wash their hands, and 1 child had to seek out a staff member to say they needed to use the toilet. The staff member had to open the 2nd toilet to allow the child use it
Provider's corrective action:
- s 1. All the walls of the Aqua room were washed down. An electoral air freshener has been ordered from Initial hygiene. This will be part of the monthly risk assessments of the rooms and toilets to ensure that they are compliant at all times. 2. The second toilet in the Aqua room is now open at all times and the key has been removed. There is no items blocking the door. The staff in the Aqua room were spoken to regarding the second toilet that it must remain accessible at all times
7 May 2025
Absolute Angels Creche, Drogheda · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) A section of the wooden flooring in front of the sink in the Shooting Stars room was raised and uneven and posed a trip hazard for an adult or child. (e) The water supply from the hot taps at the wash hand basins in the sanitary accommodation adjoining the Rainbow room on the ground floor and in the sanitary accommodation across from the Snowflake room on the first floor was not adequate as there was only a trickle of water available which was insufficient to support effective hand hygiene procedures
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been undertaken: Corrective Actions (d) The floor in the Shooting Star room has been replaced. (e) Plumbing works have been carried out to improve water pressure in the sanitary accommodation adjoining the Rainbow room and the sanitary accommodation across from the Snowflake room. Preventive Actions (d) Management will monitor all floors and replace immediately if damaged. (e) Management will monitor water pressure regularly
3 March 2025
Children's World, Dundalk · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (e)The staff when questioned confirmed that there was no nappy changing mat available on the premises for children who required nappies or nappy pants changed
Provider's corrective action:
- The preschool has been provided with a changing mat
7 February 2025
Happy Days Playschool, Dundalk · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) Some areas of the service were not maintained in a proper state of repair, including; 1. Large black damp patches and peeling paint was observed on the walls and ceiling of toilet rooms 3 & 4. 2. The paint was observed peeling of the ceiling in toilet Room 1
Provider's corrective action:
- s The ceiling in the toilet area has been replaced. The toilet area has been repainted. Further information was provided by the registered provider who confirmed that the toilet areas will be monitored going forward
27 November 2024
Kilsaran Preschool, Castlebellingham · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (e)The nappy changing facilities were not adequate in the service. For example: there was no nappy changing mat available. Additionally, there was no suitable area set up to accommodate the supplies and equipment necessary to carry out nappy changes as required
Provider's corrective action:
- (e) The registered provider purchased a nappy changing mat. The changing mat and bag of spare clothes and nappies are in the toilet area and easily accessible
18 November 2024
Tiny Tots Creche, Dundalk · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (c)The sanitary facilities accessed by the preschool children attending the Bizzy Bees Room felt cold and the recorded ambient temperature at 11.04am was 12.8o C. This temperature is below the required room temperature of 18-22o C
Provider's corrective action:
- c. An assurance has been given by the registered provider that the exit door leading to the garden from the bathroom will always be kept closed. The temperature will be monitored in the bathroom. The process of monitoring the temperature will be maintained. Summary Comment The registered provider submitted details of the corrective and preventative actions taken in the service to address the non-compliance. Based on the assurances given the non-compliance under Regulation 29 has been addressed. This will be for review at the next inspection
14 November 2024
Ready, Steady, Grow: Stonetown, Dundalk · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (c) The sanitary facilities in the service were cold and the temperature was recorded at 15.6 0 C at 11:24. This is outside the required temperature range of 18-22 0 C to ensure the children’s safety and comfort
Provider's corrective action:
- (c) A meeting was conducted with the principal and registered provider regarding sanitary room temperature guidelines. The principal has ensured the registered provider that the timer will be adjusted and the heating kept on longer to ensure room meets required temperature standard. The room temperature in the bathroom will be monitored closely to ensure it maintains between 18 – 22 degrees and should it drop the principal will be contacted to rectify this issue immediately. Summary Comment The registered provider submitted details of the corrective and preventative actions taken in the service to address the non-compliance. Based on this information the non-compliance under Regulation 29 has been addressed. Implementation and sustainment of the corrective and preventive actions will be assessed at the next inspection
11 April 2024
Peter Pan Crèche & Montessori, Drogheda · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (d) In the uncovered section of the outdoor area, there was a fixed activity board that was damaged as the veneer surface had worn away in parts leaving segregated edges of exposed wood. In the ‘Baby Area’ of the outdoor space, the veneer surface at the end of the slide’s wooden edges was also damaged leaving exposed wood. These damaged pieces of equipment increased the likelihood of injury through splinters or cuts to children’s hands. There was evidence in the service that the registered provider had been engaging with the suppliers of this equipment for some time seeking to have them repaired but this remained outstanding on the days of inspection
Provider's corrective action:
- The registered provider stated the following corrective actions and preventive actions have been carried out: Corrective Action (d) A specialist sports and play equipment company has been contacted to remove and replace the top unit. The part will be shipped on 20th May and installed on 27th May 2024. Preventive Action (d) The playground and equipment will be checked every morning before the children go out to play
2 November 2023
Ferndale Creche & Montessori, Drogheda · Regulation 29 — Premises
- (e) A hot tap at one of the 2 low level wash hand basins had seized in the closed position in the sanitary facilities adjoining the Toddler Room which reduced the opportunities for effective hand hygiene for the children using the toilets and having their nappies changed in this area. It is acknowledged that a staff member reported this to the manager as soon as she realised the tap was not working effectively and plans were being made to have the tap repaired or replaced
Provider's corrective action:
- : (e) The hot tap has been replaced and is in full working order