Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Galway West, Grainne Seoige, has pledged to prioritise helping parents across Galway with pressing childcare challenges.
Seoige is advocating for practical solutions to ensure that childcare services, such as crèches, are strategically placed near local schools, making life easier for families and reducing logistical stress for working parents.
Commenting on the issue, Seoige said: "Galway parents are under immense pressure, balancing work and family life. The lack of integrated childcare facilities close to schools only adds to the burden. If elected, I am determined to deliver on Fianna Fáil’s commitment to help families by making childcare more accessible, affordable, and tailored to the needs of our community.
"As a mother who spent time looking for appropriate childcare, I understand how tough it is for parents, especially when their children are young, to balance finances, work and raise their children."
Fianna Fáil’s 2024 manifesto commits to a substantial reduction in childcare fees, aiming to bring costs down to €200 per month.
Seoige said she will press for reduced childcare fees to be implementated as soon as possible to ensuring that the benefits reach families across Galway.
Key priorities in Seoige's childcare plan include:
*Integrating Childcare with Schools: Advocate for planning and funding to co-locate new crèches with schools in urban and rural Galway such as Connemara, easing drop-off and pick-up routines for parents.
*Affordability and Accessibility: Drive the reduction of childcare fees, providing Galway’s families with financial relief and improved service quality.
*Support for Providers: Collaborate with childcare providers to expand capacity, ensuring that no child is left without access to early education opportunities.
*Ensuring that childminders are supported - allowing parents who use childminders to also receive financial intervention.
Seoige added that addressing these issues aligns with Fianna Fáil’s broader commitment to supporting children and families.
"Childcare is not just a parental issue; it is a community issue. By investing in childcare infrastructure and services, we strengthen the fabric of our society and give every child the opportunity to thrive," she said.