Families left without childcare after Cork creche closes its doors 

More than 20 children in Wilton have been left without childcare places as the creche they were attending closed suddenly last week.

A spokesperson for Cork City Childcare Committee told The Echo they were “aware of the notification to parents regarding the closure of Naíonra Thigh Wilton. “We are supporting affected parents and families,” they said.

The closure is understood to be due to staffing issues, with the creche having posted recent advertisements seeking staff.

Local Social Democrats councillor Niamh O’Connor said: “I’m deeply sorry for the parents and children affected by the sudden closure of Naíonra Thigh Wilton.

“Families have been left with very little notice and a great deal of worry. My sympathies are with every parent trying to work out how to cover childcare in the coming weeks.”

Ms O’Connor said she has been in contact with Cork City Childcare about the situation and can confirm they are doing everything they can to help parents find alternative places. “This closure is another example of why we need a public model of early years education, which is what the Social Democrats have been calling for,” she said.

“Early years education is too important to be left to a fragile, market-driven system where families can lose their place overnight,” she said.

“There are huge staffing issues across the sector, and they can only be resolved by improving pay and conditions.

“Early years educators do vital, skilled work, and until they are properly valued and paid, providers will keep struggling to recruit and retain staff, and parents will keep paying the price.”