'Christmas has gone very expensive for families' - Leitrim councillor

The difficulties facing some families ahead of Christmas were brought home this week when lengthy queues formed in Dublin city centre as the Capuchin Day Centre distributed tickets for their annual Christmas vouchers with around 3,500 tickets given out.

Capuchin Day Centre manager Alan Bailey has said he has never seen it as busy and added that people were waiting at 10pm the previous night to ensure they would get the €50 Dunnes Stores voucher.

Leitrim councillor Gary Prior said that Christmas can be a difficult time for many families but that there is help out there for those who need it, this festive season. 

READ MORE: WEATHER: Leitrim to be wet and windy this weekend

North West Region (Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo) Saint Vincent de Paul, addresses poverty through practical solutions and focuses on alleviating the impacts of poverty on individuals and families by engaging in direct, person-to-person assistance. 

Talking to the Leitrim Observer, Cllr Prior said: "The price of shopping has gone up in general and Christmas has gone very expensive for families; you would hope that it isn't a major issue but it probably is with a number of families."

He said that St Vincent de Paul are available to those who may need some assistance during the Christmas period. "It isn't that surprising with the cost of everything; shopping, food, presents; every time you go out, it's expensive and it's difficult on families. People even get Credit Unions to pay for Christmas."

North West Region (Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo) Saint Vincent de Paul can be contacted through their website.