Calls for new state-led childcare facility in Tullamore

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Tullamore area, Cllr Aoife Masterson has called on the government to consider the Offaly town as a location for a new State-led childcare facility.

Cllr Masterson recently met with members of the Offaly Childcare Committee to discuss the issues impacting childcare providers in Offaly. And she believes that the government and Offaly County Council need to act on this matter as soon as possible.

“With just six full day care crèches in Tullamore, it is clear Tullamore must be must be considered for a State led childcare facility,” she said.

“An important first step in this is for Offaly County Council to work hand-in-hand with the Offaly Childcare Committee to identify a suitable building to accommodate this. I look forward to working with both the Childcare Committee and Council to progress this without delay,” added Cllr Masterson.

She further added that she plans to ask Offaly County Council and Laois Offaly Education Training Board to consider ways in which existing funding streams and training programmes can be re-deployed to further support existing providers and their staff.