The HSE in the Midwest has dedicated more staff to cope with the growth in demand for the back to school clothing and footwear scheme.
In 2008 just over 15,000 children in the Midwest benefitted from the scheme.
- Advertisement -
This year scheme, which is not due to be closed until the end of September, has already seen a 39% increase on last year.
The economic downturn, rise in unemployment and reductions in the overall income available to families is said to be responsible for the significant increase.
Sinn Fein Shannon Town Councillor Cathy McCafferty says it is imperative that the backlog is dealt with.
