Absence of staff forced 4% of creches to close last week, figures show.
Covid-19, along with poor pay and conditions have exacerbated staffing issues in the early childcare sector, according to representative bodies.
New figures show 4% of creches were forced to close last week, with half of staff absences caused by Covid.
Dympna Keegan, manager of Bright Beginnings in Ferbane, says there are seasonal illnesses outside of Covid that must be taken into consideration:
Midlands Artists To Feature In New Wetlands Guide
The Communities Wetlands Forum Guide launches today.
Midlands Advocacy Service For Sexual Abuse Survivors Praise Victim For Getting Justice
Co-founder of Eist, Hazel Behan is urging women to come forward for support.
Laois Windfarm Developer Awarded 50% Of Legal Costs
Coolglass Wind Farm will now return to An Coimisiún Pleanála for reconsideration.
Midlands Simon Calls On Government For Retrofit Funding
The Midlands branch is seeking to retrofit 13 properties to cater for single adult accommodation.
Midlands Charity Calls For State Support To Help Move People Off The Streets
13 midlands properties remain vacant according to Midlands Simon Community.
Offaly Singer In Semi-Final Of Glór Tíre Tonight
She comes from a musical family.
Fáilte Ireland Urges Off Peak Holidays As Staycation Demand Grows
In 2024, domestic tourism brought in €3.6 billion for the nation.
Ireland Plans Charter Evacuations As Middle East Conflict Escalates
The conflict has intensified in the Middle East.
Deaf Laois Couple Face €10k Hearing Aid Bill
They believe they are being penalised for working hard.
Pfizer Opens Midlands Applications For Apprenticeship Programme
The closing date is March 17th
Emergency Services Attend Scene Of Laois Crash
The collision occurred shortly before 9:30am this morning.
Bressie Adds New Dates To 2026 Irish Tour
The Westmeath musician will be performing across the country this year.
BnM Unveils Eight Firms For 2026 Accelerate Green Programme
A press conference will be held in May for people to show their work.
Westmeath County Council Urged To Buy Larger Homes For Families In Need
Aengus O'Rourke believes overcrowded living conditions can adversely affect families.
High Court Told Enoch Burke Transferred From Mountjoy Without Reason
Mr Burke's family are still looking for his release.
Westmeath Community Launches ‘Feeling Safe Survey’
It will will address the safety concerns.
Midlands Hospital Experiencing High Admission Numbers
They're warning of very long waiting times for those who present to the ED with non - urgent conditions.
Retired Taxi Driver Calls For Safer Roundabouts In Laois
Portlaoise's Derek Ryan wants to see action taken by Laois County Council to avoid incidents.
Laois County Council Continue Work On Rat Infestation
The Council are hoping to sort out the issue in Portlaoise's Esker Hills.
Laois Psychotherapist Criticises ESRI Report On School Absences
Katie Richardson believes it unfairly puts the blame on families for high school absences.
