Rising Childcare Costs Force Families to Make Tough Choices

The escalating costs of childcare in Ireland have emerged as a significant concern for families, leading many to reconsider their work-life balance. Parents have reported dramatic increases in fees, particularly after childcare providers withdrew from the government’s Core Funding scheme. This situation has left many families grappling with the financial burden of soaring expenses that often exceed their budgets.

Rising childcare fees have become a pressing political issue in recent years. Ahead of the general election in 2022, both government and opposition parties pledged to reduce childcare fees to approximately €200 per month. However, the recent Budget 2026 revealed no mention of this promise, leaving parents and childcare organizations disappointed. The Journal Investigates highlighted that over 50 childcare providers have opted out of the Core Funding scheme in recent years, resulting in significant fee increases for families.

Many parents across the country have shared their experiences with these rising costs. A parent from Galway noted that their childcare provider’s withdrawal from the scheme led to a weekly fee increase of €90 per child. This change pushed their monthly bill to a staggering €1,855 for two children. The parent expressed that this shift created “an immense financial strain” on their family, making childcare unaffordable and forcing them to seek alternative options.

In Meath, another parent reported similar challenges. After their provider pulled out of Core Funding, fees nearly doubled, making it unsustainable for her to have all three of her children in full-time care. She lamented, “It’s hardly worth our while working,” emphasizing that financial pressures were restricting their options.

Some parents have turned to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) for support, which provides subsidies for childcare costs. One Dublin parent described how her afterschool fees for two children rose to over €600 a month, leading her to rely on family support for basic needs. Despite receiving the NCS subsidy, the parent found herself unable to pick her children up early from afterschool care, fearing a reduction in her funding.

Another parent in Meath had to take parental leave when their monthly childcare costs surged by €900. They critiqued the NCS, stating that trying to reduce hours would have resulted in even higher costs, as subsidies are only adjusted after prolonged under-attendance.

Frustration over inflexible childcare policies was echoed by other parents. A parent in Kildare shared their experience of enrolling their child in a morning ASD class, only to find that their childcare provider insisted on maintaining a full-time spot. Despite needing only part-time care, this decision resulted in an additional €800 per month in fees, equating to paying two mortgages.

The withdrawal of providers from the Core Funding scheme has significant implications for families. A spokesperson from the Department of Children confirmed that Little Harvard had exited the scheme, which had previously provided the organization with €5.8 million in funding this year—a 208% increase since 2022. Parents at affected Little Harvard locations expressed frustration over the lack of notice before fee increases, with one parent noting that their decision to delay their child’s entry into primary school unexpectedly cost them an additional €3,000.

Many parents voiced their disappointment with the government’s failure to address the childcare crisis effectively. One parent stated, “The government’s target of bringing costs down is failing for a lot of families.” Another parent in Kildare highlighted the potential impact of further fee increases, stating she might have to leave her job, leading to missed salary increases and fewer pension contributions.

While some parents acknowledge the challenges childcare providers face, such as rising operational costs, they feel it is unfair that families must bear the financial consequences of government funding cuts. A Dublin parent remarked, “The question many families like ours are left asking is, where is that extra money supposed to come from?”

The Department of Children noted that 91% of childcare providers remain in the Core Funding scheme and that funding will increase to over €436 million in the upcoming budget. However, the concerns of families affected by providers exiting the scheme are likely to influence future policy decisions.

The ongoing crisis in childcare affordability poses significant challenges for families across Ireland. With costs continuing to rise, many parents are left questioning their financial stability and future plans for their families. As the government navigates these issues, the voices of affected parents remain crucial in advocating for meaningful change.