Urgent Update: Soaring Childcare Fees Push Families to Breaking Point

UPDATE: Soaring childcare fees in Ireland are forcing families into financial distress, with parents reporting fee increases of up to €900 a month. As childcare providers withdraw from the government’s Core Funding scheme, many families are left scrambling for affordable options ahead of the upcoming general election.

Parents across the country are expressing outrage as they struggle to cope with skyrocketing childcare costs. Despite promises made by both opposition and government parties to cap fees at €200 a month, the recently announced Budget 2026 failed to address these commitments, leaving families feeling abandoned.

The Journal Investigates revealed that over 50 childcare providers have opted out of the Core Funding scheme in recent years, leading to significant fee hikes. One parent from Galway reported a staggering increase of €90 per week per child after their provider withdrew from the scheme, bringing their monthly bill to an astronomical €1,855 for two children. “This has placed an immense financial strain on our family,” they stated.

In Meath, another parent shared that their childcare fees nearly doubled after their provider exited the Core Funding initiative. With three children in need of care, they lamented, “It’s hardly worth our while working.”

Families are not just facing increased bills; many are altering their work hours or taking parental leave to cope. A parent in Dublin reported that afterschool fees surged to over €600 a month, forcing them to rely on family support for basic necessities. “I can’t afford to pick my kids up early,” they said, highlighting the emotional toll of these financial pressures.

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is also under scrutiny, as its subsidies are tied to hours of care used. A parent shared a heartbreaking story of sitting outside the afterschool facility, unable to collect their children early due to financial constraints. “I feel heartbroken when they ask to be picked up,” they expressed.

In Kildare, another family faced a financial crisis after their childcare fees jumped by €900 a month, forcing one parent to take leave from work. They criticized the NCS as “a crazy system” where reducing hours would lead to higher costs.

Despite some parents understanding the financial strain on providers due to rising operational costs, they feel abandoned by the government. “Where is that extra money supposed to come from?” one parent questioned, echoing the sentiments of many who feel the government is failing to meet its commitments.

A spokesperson from the Department of Children confirmed that Little Harvard, a prominent childcare provider, has withdrawn five of its services from Core Funding, citing operational challenges. “They would have received €5.8 million in funding this year, marking a 208% increase since 2022,” they stated.

As families brace for further financial burdens, many are delaying important life decisions, such as having more children. A parent in Dublin stated, “We’re paying nearly €9,800 a year for one child, and our hopes of having three children feel entirely impossible.”

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Families are calling for immediate government action to fulfill promises made during the election campaign. As the government prepares for further evaluations of the NCS, the pressing question remains: will they finally address the soaring costs that are dismantling family finances across Ireland?

Authorities are expected to review the Core Funding scheme in the coming months, but for now, families remain in a state of uncertainty, grappling with rising fees and dwindling options.

Stay tuned for the latest developments as parents continue to advocate for change in a system that is increasingly becoming unmanageable.