'Deep concern' expressed over childcare shortages in Kilkenny

A number of local councillors have expressed deep concern over the lack of community childcare facilities in Co Kilkenny.

Councillors; Mary Hilda Cavanagh, John Brennan, Fidelis Doherty, Pat Dunphy, Michael Doyle, Joe Lyons and David Fitzgerald all penned their names to a motion set to be discussed at Monday's sitting of Kilkenny County Council.

The motion requests the local authority write to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Norma Foley expressing their 'concern' over the critical shortage of community-based childcare services in the Kilkenny-Carlow area.

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"Families are struggling with unaffordable private childcare costs, highlighting the urgent need for a publicly funded Early Years Education System," the councillors stated.

"We call on the Government to prioritise investment in affordable, high-quality, community-based childcare to establish sustainable early years and after-school care services.

"This measure would support working families who are finding it difficult to meet the expense of childcare services," the motion concluded.

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