Sinn Féin TD for Louth Joanna Byrne has called on the newly appointed Government to urgently address the shortage of childcare places for families in Louth.

Responses to parliamentary questions submitted recently by Deputy Byrne to the newly appointed Minister for Children show that 17 pre-school services closed in the last number of years in Louth, and more worryingly that 158 ELC places have been lost.

"These figures clearly indicate a worrying trend” Deputy Byrne said, adding that the trend “flies in the face of Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael pre-election empty promises on childcare.

“The sky high costs of childcare and shortage of childcare places is an issue that so many families raised with me during the recent election campaign” she said.

“Right across Louth and East Meath the lack of available and affordable places, is forcing parents to have to consider leaving their jobs. That is simply wrong and places a huge pressure on working families who are already struggling to make ends meet."

"This government have spent weeks arguing over their perks and positions without giving a single thought to families in my constituency.

“With thousands of children right throughout the country waiting on childcare spaces, It's way past time that they now get to work and get serious about investing in new practices as well as expanding existing practices so that all children who need a place can have one. It is critical that the capacity of the sector is expanded.”

"Sinn Féin’s commitment to parents and families is clear, prioritising affordability and accessibility in childcare places. Capacity can be expanded by addressing the recruitment and retention crisis, extending supports to childminders, and reviewing core funding.

"I am determined to be a voice for families and parents in Drogheda and beyond on this issue and I intend to raise this tirelessly until this Government and Minister Foley implement action. They need to urgently relieve this burden that a huge proportion of our population are carrying, future-proof this sector and begin to build a long-term sustainable childcare network.”