Kildare Among The Lowest Levels Of Community Childcare Provision In Ireland

It comes amid calls for the south of the county to be prioritised for the State’s pilot project of public childcare sites.

Kildare is among the lowest levels of community childcare provision across the country, at 4 per cent, which amounts to eight providers.

It comes as Kildare South and Labour TD Mark Wall called for the south of the county to be prioritised for the State’s pilot project of public childcare sites.

Seven sites were recently announced by Children's Minister Norma Foley for the proposed new early learning and childcare projects under the State-led early learning and childcare capital programme.

Speaking to Kfm News, Deputy Wall said: "while I welcome the announcement by Minister Foley on the proposed childcare pilot sites, I want to stress the urgent need for more community and not for profit childcare facilities targeting the areas with the lowest level of community provision first, and that is Kildare South. This is a particular issue in places like Newbridge and Kilcullen, who have become childcare deserts".

"I am hearing from parents who are having to reduce their hours of work, and in some cases, give up work entirely because of the lack childcare in the county. This is having a major impact families across Kildare South, and Government need to ensure its pilot sites are in the areas with the highest demand."

Meanwhile, Childhood Services Ireland (CSI) says Budget 2027 must support services’ ability to retain staff and provide quality care alongside measures to reduce parents’ bills.

It cites that there are 196 registered childcare providers in Kildare.

In its pre-budget submission, the Ibec group representing childcare providers says services operating under historically low fee limits are being placed at a financial disadvantage to higher-charging operators, creating a “fundamentally uneven playing field”.

"Restricted revenue is limiting their ability to pay and retain staff, invest in care and meet rising operating costs – putting the availability and quality of childcare at risk for families."