A BELLEEK mum-of-two was forced to take a career break due to childcare places in the local area being "like gold dust".

Tracey McGlone said that the ever-pressing issue of childcare is a major source of worry among mums in Belleek, as the village has no creche or preschool, and only one registered childminder.

As a result, she has been forced to look across the Border, and her 11-month-old son, Conor, is currently on the waiting list for a creche in Ballyshannon.

However, spaces there are also limited, and as Tracey also has a seven-year-old, Alex, she made the tough decision to take an official career break from her job within the Education Authority (EA).

"I was due to go back to work in January from maternity leave, but there was no childcare out there," she said. "While there is a registered childminder in Belleek, she has no availability, there is no creche, and the pre-school closed last year.

"As a result, I had to go South, and I have Conor on a waiting list in Ballyshannon. However, there is a serious waiting list there, so I ended up having to take a career break from work.

"I was something that I didn't want to have to do. Everyone has to go back to work to earn a few pounds, but it just wasn't viable for me."

Tracey said that the situation is the same for many other local mums in Belleek, who have been forced to put their employment on hold for the sake of their children. 

And while some respite is received from programmes such as SureStart, she feels that a dedicated creche, or indeed more childminders, would help to take pressure off mums.

"It's definitely a big talking point among mums, and when we go to baby groups the chat is always childcare, childcare, childcare.

"It is a serious issue in Belleek for many. I am lucky that I can drive so I have more options to access childcare, but for those that don't, it's really hard.

"If we had a creche, or a pre-school, it would have many benefits. It would give mums a well-earned break, and allow them to get back into work."

She added: "The situation is the same for many, and it's not right. Accessible and affordable childcare in Belleek would be a dream come true for so many mums."

Another local mum, Patrice Cox, agreed.

"I think it is an absolute disgrace that there are no childcare facilities in Belleek," she said. "I have lots of family and friends that cannot return to work because of that issue. We have to rely on family or friends to look after the children, and it's not fair on them.

"I've two kids, one in primary school and another who is due to go to playschool, and it has been shut down because the numbers aren't there. Our nearest then is in Garrison, but they are full.

"Stormont needs to work with our community to bring childcare facilities to our area that has great potential and space for a creche."