Audit being conducted of childcare services in Mayo IPAS centres

AN audit is currently being conducted with regards to childcare services in Mayo’s IPAS centres.

The issue was discussed at a Mayo County Council Community, Integration and Recreation committee meeting.

Head of integration Anna Connor said that they are working with a consultant to find out the needs and assessment of the childcare services in the county’s IPAS centres.

There are 14 IPAS centres in Mayo, with 1,553 residents, and 695 children.

It is hoped that a presentation on the matter will be made at the committee’s next meeting on June 17.

Meanwhile, members were told there are currently 84,100 Ukrainians living in temporary protection in Ireland, of which 866 are in 22 accommodation-based centres across Mayo.

The numbers living in the community is currently at 3,905 and the locations and numbers in each area are as follows: Castlebar (990), Claremorris (764), Belmullet (275), Swinford (35), Westport (657), Ballina (669).

These figures are provided by the CSO as of February 15, 2026.

Ms. Connor said that English language classes have been very beneficial for the Ukrainian community.

“They helped participants with phrases which can help with hospitality, cooking, and customer care. A lot of the Ukrainian community want to work and contribute.”

* Funded by the Local Deomocracy Reporting Scheme.