FOR SALE AS BY PRIVATE TREATY
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY | GOING CONCERN
O'Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are delighted to offer for sale, as a going concern, this impressive Childcare center & Creche business situated in the popular rural settlement of Craughwell in South East Co. Galway. The creche offers a generous single story floor plan of 321 sq.m./3,455 sq.ft. The property also offers a substantial outdoor play area to the rear and ample parking to the front.

LOCATION
Craughwell is a village and parish in County Galway, Ireland, situated close to the M6 Motorway which connects Galway City with Ballinasloe, Athlone and Dublin. The village lies 25 kilometres southeast of Galway City, 8 kilometres south of Athenry and 12 kilometres northwest of Loughrea. The village offers 2 primary schools, petrol station, shops, restaurants, tyre centre, pharmacy, GP practice, 2 gyms, a dentist and numerous other services and amenities that one would require for modern day living.

The property is located within very close proximity of the village itself and is situated in a safe, scenic setting with green field sites to the north and south. Ballymore Cottage Creche is located within walking distance of two large residential developments and within 2km of the village centre. It is also on the primary route for parents and workers who commute to the local towns and cities for employment and given its position adjacent to the 2 national schools, this business has thrived over the years.

POPULATION
Craughwell is one of the larger settlements in east county Galway. It’s population has increased in recent years thanks to the ample development and expansion of the town to offer all of the services and amenities that one could require for modern day living.

With a population of 1,034 as of the census of 2022, and growing quickly, Craughwell has a substantial requirement for childcare services and creche facilities. Ballymore Cottage Creche is attended by 65 children who live both locally and further afield.

Nearby, Galway City has a young, vibrant and highly skilled workforce, underpinned by its two-3rd level institutions; - National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and Atlantic Technical University Galway– with a combined student population of approx. 25,000. Many young families and working professionals who graduate from these educational hubs choose Craughwell, Athenry and Loughrea as their forever homes thanks to the local charm and the ease of connectivity to employment hubs in Galway, Dublin and indeed other parts of the country.

DESCRIPTION
Ballymore Cottage Creche is situated on a site which measures approximately 0.53 acres / 0.214 hectares and comprises of a detached building which was originally a residential cottage. Over the years, the owners have spared no expense in extending the building to the rear and creating a top class childcare facility which is comfortable, efficient and cost effective to heat and maintain.

The grounds of the property offers ample parking to the front and a beautifully landscaped gardens with outdoor play area to the rear.

The building itself was originally constructed in c.1950. It served as a residential settlement for over 40 years after which it was converted into a children’s care premises. In 2001, the current owners extended the building and set about upgrading many of the services and décor throughout the building to bring it in line with modern day standards and to suit its new use as a creche and childcare centre. In 2004, an additional extension was constructed to the rear of the property which resulted in the current internal area of 321 sq.m./3,455 sq.ft. In 2023 the owners made improvements costing €35,000 which included installing solar panels, 2 upgraded boilers and LED zoned lighting throughout. These upgrades resulted in an improved Building Energy Rating (BER) to a B3 Rating.

In its current layout, the building offers a number of class rooms, a kitchen, 2 spacious reception areas, sleeping rooms, and bathrooms to cater for the needs of the 65 children that the business currently has enrolled across a range of age groups.

Throughout the property, it is apparent that the current owners have spared no expense in creating a wonderful, safe environment which promotes learning in a comfortable space.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS
Ballymore Cottage Crèche currently operates from 7.30 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday and employs a full time manager and a staff of 10 whose qualifications range from FETAC level 5 and 6 to FETAC level 7 in Early Years Education. The business also employs a cook who provides meals for the children from the onsite kitchen each day.

The business has experienced very low staff turnover since it opened in 2000 due to its location and reputation. It is booked out to capacity every year with a substantial waiting list in place. The business is at full capacity currently with demand also for the 2024/2025 season.

The business has experienced very low staff turnover since it opened in 2000 and due to its location and reputation, it is booked out to capacity every year with a substantial waiting list in place. The business is at full capacity currently with demand also for the 2024/2025 season.

Ballymore Cottage Crèche currently charges €185 per week for 5 full days, however it also provides for shared places which net €215 per week. Ballymore Cottage Crèche is also in receipt of Core and NCS and ECCE funding. The business was most recently inspected by TUSLA on 28th November 2023 and was fully compliant. A Department of Education Inspection in 2022 found there to be “Highly effective practise across all areas”. The building is compliant with building regulations and there is a valid fire certificate in place also.

TENURE
Freehold

BER
BER B3
BER number – 800963951
Energy Rating –189.82 kWh/m2/yr
CO2 Emissions – 45.15 kgCO2/m2/yr

TUSLA Records:
TUSLA Identifier: TU2015GY025
Name of Service Provider: Ballymore Cottage Creche Ltd.
Type of Service offered: Full Day Care
Date of last inspection: 28-11-2023
Inspection report available on request.

FURTHER INFORMATION
A video tour of the property is available on request. Key financials and further information can be obtained by contacting sales agent Aaron O’Reilly of O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers.

VIEWINGS
All viewings are strictly by appointment through the selling agents O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers.

DISCLAIMER
These particulars are not to be considered a formal offer. They are for information only and give a general idea of the property. They are not to be taken as forming any part of a resulting contract, nor to be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. Whilst every care is taken in their preparation, neither O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers nor the vendor accept any liability as to their accuracy. Intending purchasers must satisfy themselves by personal inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of these particulars. No person in the employment of O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property.