Local charities have expressed concern over a sharp rise in the number of Clare parents seeking help over back-to-school costs this year.
St Vincent DePaul received almost 300 calls from parents across the country every day last week, which is a jump of 10% on this time last year and the President of the charity’s Clare branch says that has been mirrored in this county.
Many of the calls related to requests for financial help with parent contributions, school books, digital equipment and the cost of uniforms.
SVP Clare Branch President Declan Carty says they’re particularly concerned about the cost of ipads and tablets.
The Feed Clare Foodbank in Shannon supplies food to families who are struggling financially on a weekly basis, but for the past four years has also been providing school supplies ahead of the school term.
It gave out 100 boxes of school supplies including stationary, pens and pencils last week.
Coordinator, Karen Cassidy says even working parents are struggling to cover costs.
