‘Childcare is not a luxury’ – Sligo motion calls for affordable, accessible services for all families

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Sligo town basewd Councillor Arthur Gibbons has called on the Government “To urgently deliver a comprehensive plan to make childcare genuinely affordable and accessible for all families, while ensuring fair pay, improved working conditions, and sustainable career pathways for the educators at the heart of the sector.”

Speaking to his motion at the July meeting of Sligo County Council Cllr Gibbons insisted the cost of childcare is making work and career progression unsustainable for some parents.

“Childcare is not a luxury. It is an essential service that enables parents to work, study, and contribute to our communities. Yet for far too many families, the cost of childcare is one of the biggest financial burdens they face. Many parents are forced to make impossible choices between staying in work and being able to afford childcare.”

Highlighting the importance of the “crucial” work being carried out in the childcare sector, Cllr Gibbons said, “The people who provide this vital service are too often underpaid and undervalued. Early years educators play a crucial role in the development and wellbeing of our children, yet many struggle with low wages, insecure conditions, and limited opportunities for career progression. This has led to ongoing staff shortages and increasing difficulty for providers in meeting demand.”

Cllr Gibbons hit out at what he described as a “chronic underinvestment in the childcare sector” which he says, “Has created a situation where families pay too much while educators earn too little. That is a system that is failing everyone.

“We need a long-term, sustainable approach that recognises childcare as essential public infrastructure. Investment must reduce costs for families, improve access to childcare places, and ensure that those working in the sector receive the pay, respect, and career opportunities they deserve.”

Cllr Gibbons concluded by reiterating his call for government intervention saying, “This motion sends a clear message that the current situation is not acceptable. We are calling on the Government to act with urgency and to deliver a childcare system that works for children, families, educators, employers, and communities alike.”

The motion was unanimously supported by Councillors.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.