A group of parents in West Clare are calling for answers as to why a suitable childcare service hasn't yet been put in place.
It comes following the closure of five West Clare Early Years centres in Kilrush, Kilkee, Lissycasey, Kilmihil and Kildysart over a week ago, with the loss of 50 jobs and hundreds of childcare places.
The closure of the West Clare Early Years centres just over a week ago sent shockwaves through five communities, where fifty people have been left without jobs and hundreds of parents forced to stay home from work or education to mind their children.
A number of meetings have since taken place between parents in affected communities and representatives from Pobal, which oversees the running of programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU.
The organisation has committed to engage with all stakeholders to address problems resulting from the closure.
But some parents, who availed of the Kilrush service, have expressed their frustration over what they describe as a lack of communication over the past 24 hours.
An Ennis-based company expressed interest in the past week in taking over the management of the service until a new board of management is set up but parents say they have been told that this is no longer an option.
Sorcha Daly, a mother of one from Moyasta feels support for their cause in dwindling:
Pobal has offered to cover part of the cost of private childcare for those affected if they use a registered child minder, but Maddy Dunne from Killimer says there are no such facilities available in their locality:
Clare FM has sought comment from Pobal and is awaiting is response.
