Speaking to Kfm, Margaret Donohoe, who minds six children from her home, said Tailte Éireann contacted her to say her playroom would be assessed - something she believed childminders were exempt from.
A Newbridge childminder says there is real fear in the sector after being told her home may now be liable for commercial rates.
Speaking to Kfm, Margaret Donohoe, who minds six children from her home, said Tailte Éireann contacted her to say her playroom would be assessed - something she believed childminders were exempt from.
Ms Donohoe says she hasn’t been told the cost yet, and is “waiting and hoping” it’s a mistake - but fears even a small bill could rise year-on-year.
“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.
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