Clare Fm - Podcasts

It's feared this county's economy will suffer if further childcare closures are seen. It comes as the Federation of Early Childhood Providers has launced a new publication asking the Government to implement measures to protect the sector from the cost-of-living crisis. In the past two weeks alone, 28 childcare providers have indicated their intention to close their doors. This means over the last 14 months, approximately 150 nationwide providers nationwide have ceased operating. The concerns of struggling providers have been captured in a new report entitled "United We Stand" from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers. This examines the "dire" situation many members are finding themselves in and asks Government to boost the level of funding being given to the sector to insulate providers from inflationary pressures. Noel Mulderrig is the manager of the Kidz Haven creche in Shannon and will begin the process of closing his business next month. He says the greatest problem facing providers is attra