It’s claimed the mental health and job prospects of households in South-East Clare is suffering due to a lack of childcare.
However, two community organisations are now joining forces in a bid to identify and tackle the issues at the core of the problem
The Shannon Family Resource Centre and Shannon Community Partnership have launched a survey to highlight the lack of access to the service in the town and catchment area and to develop potential solutions.
The Toddle Inn Creche in Brú Na Sionna is just one facility at maximum capacity with 99 children in its care, while a further 170 kids are on the waiting list.
Owner Cora Devaney says the livelihoods of families have been affected by the scarcity.
A family support worker in Shannon claims the extent of the problem has been evident for some time, having received regular referrals from public health nurses, TUSLA and maternity nurses hoping to secure spaces on behalf of parents.
Residents have also highlighted local planning conditions, with concerns raised that there hasn’t been enough purpose built creches included in the new housing estates cropping up in the town.
Cathal Dillon from Shannon Family Resource Centre believes there are solutions available with the right will, but says the mental health of households is suffering in the meantime.
In the survey’s preliminary findings 91% of participants said they found it difficult to access reliable childcare in Shannon.
It’s also heard from parents in Gort, who are travelling as far as Ennis to secure a service.
Geraldine Lambert from Shannon Community Partnership says it’s vital that as many people as possible make their views known to establish and deliver the desired solutions.
You can listen to the full interview here:
