Two early years services are being shut down for "persistent and serious" breaches of regulations, Tusla has confirmed.
The Home from Home Crèche in Greystones, Co Wicklow and the Oblate Fathers Community Crèche in Dublin 8 will have to close next month as they are being removed from the register of early years services.
As the Dublin crèche is a non-profit serving a highly disadvantaged area, steps are being taken to potentially keep it running under new management.
In a statement this afternoon, Tusla acknowledged the impact the closures will have on parents, children and staff - but suggested both providers were given every opportunity to make improvements.
Brian Lee, Director of Quality Assurance at Tusla, explained: "Every effort is made to avoid reaching this stage of the regulatory process.
"However, Tusla’s primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of children at these services, and where we cannot be assured of this we must take the necessary action.”
The Department of Children, meanwhile, said they will provide an update to those affected by the closure of the Oblate Fathers Community Crèche as soon as possible.
They said in a statement: "Discussions have now been initiated between the [City and County Childcare Committees] and the current management of the community service, to explore potential solutions to keep the service open.
"The continued operation of the service under alternative management structures must be approved in advance by Tusla, as the independent regulator."
Officials are also working with the Wicklow County Childcare Committee to offer supports to families affected by the closure of the Greystones facility.
Both crèches have been given a closure date of February 21st - with providers able to challenge the decision in court if they wish.