Almost All Kildare Crèches Privately Run As Community Provision Remains Minimal

Community childcare is non-profit, locally run, and usually more affordable and inclusive than private crèches.

Kildare has one of the lowest levels of community-run childcare in the country.

Department of Children figures show that only 4% of childcare services in Kildare are community-based - meaning almost all crèches and after- school services are privately run.

Community childcare is non-profit, locally run, and usually more affordable and inclusive than private crèches.

In some counties, like Leitrim and Monaghan, most childcare is run by community groups or not-for-profit centres.

Children’s Minister Norma Foley says the big differences between counties go back years.

She said older government funding schemes - from the 2000s - helped some areas more than others, and that access to suitable buildings or community facilities also plays a part.

She added that local councils, including Kildare County Council, can influence the mix of services through the buildings they own, and that many now work with their local childcare committees on those decisions.

Meanwhile, child minders who offer services from their home could now face commercial rates charges.

A Newbridge childminder says there is real fear in the sector after being told her home may now be subject to such rates.

“It’s the unknown. I love my job, I don’t want to give it up. But I can’t take on another bill. Things are hard enough," she told Kfm News.

"I thought it was to do with property tax at first. I never imagined they were assessing me for commercial rates," Ms Donohue said.

She added: "I’ve spoken to two childminders who were due to register in the new year. They’re not going ahead now. They’re waiting to see what happens to me."

She said this could create a chilling effect among individuals who provide child minding services from their homes, at a time when many local parents are struggling to find a place a creche place for their children. 

Childminding Ireland says this is the first case it has seen, but confirmed that a directive last year stated childminders may be liable unless operating on a not-for-profit basis.

The Department of Children says there is no general exemption for childminding services, and that rates decisions are made by Tailte Éireann and local authorities.

Kfm has contacted Tailte Eireann for comment.