Baby boom could threaten livelihoods

FINGAL’S latest baby boom could inadvertently threaten the livelihoods of highly skilled and well-educated workers.

That’s according to a group that provides advice, information and assistance in the field of childcare.

Fingal is one of the few areas experiencing a baby boom. Figures recently released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicate that there were 1,329 births in the county between April 1 and June 30, 2011.

The statistics are surprising, particularly in the context of increasing unemployment figures.

However, they have come as no surprise to the Fingal County Childcare Committee, which is seeing a shift in terms of how and who is providing childcare.

The committee acts in an advisory capacity to all childcare services in Fingal.

Grainne McKenna, manager of the committee, said there is a noticeable shift from formal childcare to more informal childminding arrangements and within family care, which she believes can lead to a worrying situation.

“At present, Fingal County Childcare Committee is seeing some families opt out of centre-based pre-school placement in the belief that more informal childminding arrangements are more affordable,

? Ms McKenna told Northside People.

“However, as the economy bounces back, which we know it will, many of the informal childcare providers will return to the workforce, causing a rapid increase in demand for centre based provision.

“Fingal County Childcare Committee is concerned that if formalised pre-school services are not maintained throughout these challenging times, that these services may close.

“This will result in increased unemployment of a hugely skilled and well educated workforce but also the loss of previous capital investment and local level investment in skills and expertise to date.

?

Fingal County Childcare Committee has been keeping a close watch on birth rate statistics, which have increased steadily since the first quarter of 2009.

“It’s our job to map areas where there is a concentration of births to ensure there are an appropriate number of childcare providers to facilitate parents,

? Ms McKenna added.

“One of the key areas affecting the Fingal County Childcare Committee is the need for high quality, affordable and accessible childcare provision to meet the needs of young families and emerging communities.

?

Fingal County Council officials are also closely monitoring the county’s birth rates and have been working with the Department of Education in respect of population projections and the provision of schools.

“The council is also actively working with the department on a daily basis to assist them with the acquisition and planning of school sites,

? a spokesperson for the council said.

In a recent question to the Fingal County Manager, Swords ward councillor Darragh Butler (FF) asked for a report on the birth rate statistics.

Cllr Butler also asked if the current plan for provision of education facilities at primary and secondary level in the three major growth centres of Fingal is adequate, considering the current and future population growth.