It’s emerged that there are over 500 children under the age of 3 on crèche waiting lists in Sligo.
Figures published in the Pobal Annual Early Years Sector survey reveal that there are 53 children under the age of 1, 237 children aged 1-2 years and 219 children aged 2-3 years on waiting lists.
The sector is said to be under significant strain, due to a lack of availability of places, costs and poor working conditions for Early Years Educators.
Sligo-Strandhill Labour Councillor Nessa Cosgrove says the situation has resulted in many parents being forced to leave their jobs:
