A GROUP of parents have told of their childcare hell after their local creche cut its hours with just a week’s notice.
Parents of 28 kids who attend the Rainbow Community Caregroup were informed on Tuesday that afternoon sessions would be permanently slashed from February 7.
The creche in Stoneybatter, Dublin, cited “financial difficulties” and asked parents to make alternative arrangements.
Supporters gathered outside the city council-leased building on Friday for a protest.
Parents and teachers claim they have been “left in the dark” over the sudden move.
The kids were told the event was a party to celebrate their teachers.
Worried dad Mark Sheerin, whose son Aran attends the afternoon group, called the resource “magnificent” and said it’s been “essential” for the small Dublin community.
He told The Irish Sun: “We got a letter in the post to tell us the afternoon play group would be closing permanently.
“There was no explanation, other than the decision hadn’t been taken lightly. So we got no context, no warning, and eight working days to sort everything out. We really don’t know what we’re going to do.
“It’s extremely difficult in this area to get childcare. Two other facilities have shut and this one is now under threat.
“We just want to know why this place is closing in the afternoons, as parents we are willing to help, we want an open dialogue so we can resolve this situation and keep this resource open for our community.”
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou MacDonald attended the rally and blasted the decision to axe the hours.
She said: “What’s going on is unacceptable, to pull the rug from under parents in this way, and from the children who love being here, who love the teachers and their friends. It is unacceptable.
“There’s been no explanation, no engagement, no answers — that needs to change.”
“We can’t afford in Stoneybatter to be losing more of these services.”
