A shortage of childcare can have a major impact on young, working families.
A lack of services and amenities in rural Laois towns is leading to locals feeling isolated.
That's the view of Local Election Candidate in Borris in Ossory - Mountmellick, Brian Phelan, who sees a need for more community and sporting facilities in the area.
He's also highlighting a shortage of childcare services available, impacting heavily on young, working families.
The Fianna Fáil rep says a combination of these factors are leading people to feel like prisoners in these rural homes:
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