Kildare's Childcare Dilemma: Struggling Families Face Higher-Than-Average Fees

Monagahan and Carlow are positioned as two of the more affordable counties.

Kildare residents are grappling with the harsh reality of soaring early learning and childcare expenses, surpassing the national average, as unveiled by the Pobal Annual Early Years Sector Profile (AEYSP).

The report highlights the financial strain on Kildare families, with the average weekly fees per child for full day care reaching €191.68, part-time care at €120.02, and sessional care costing €77.78.

The figures emphasise the economic challenges faced by families in the region, which have exceeded the national averages.

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides a universal subsidy of €1.40 per hour, but Kildare families must also navigate an income-assessed subsidy that is means-tested and contingent on individual circumstances.

Despite the promised increase in the minimum hourly NCS subsidy to €2.14, starting in September of this year, Kildare families continue to face a higher-than-average financial burden.

Residents accessing registered early learning and childcare services in Kildare receive a minimum hourly NCS subsidy of €1.40, with the potential for an increase based on individual circumstances.

Topping the list as the most expensive county, families in Dublin's Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown face staggering average weekly fees of €244.08 for full day care, €139.10 for part-time care, and €84.71 for sessional care.

Following closely, Dublin's Fingal county records high average weekly fees, with figures reaching €214.30 for full day care, €121.96 for part-time care, and €76.81 for sessional care.

South Dublin is another costly area, with average weekly fees of €214.08 for full day care, €127.90 for part-time care, and €78.69 for sessional care.

Dublin City follows suit with high childcare costs, recording average weekly fees of €213.85 for full day care, €127.16 for part-time care, and €78.60 for sessional care.

Just beyond Dublin, Wicklow also emerges as one of the more expensive counties, with average weekly fees of €213.36 for full day care, €126.92 for part-time care, and €77.65 for sessional care. The county's proximity to Dublin contributes to its elevated childcare costs.

Kildare recorded an average weekly fee of €191.68 for full day care, €120.02 for part-time care, and €77.78 for sessional care.

Leitrim demonstrates relatively lower average weekly childcare fees. For full day care, the average weekly fee is €163.81, for part-time care, it is €89.58, and for sessional care, it is €69.85.

Mayo is also recognised for its relatively economical childcare fees, with average weekly costs of €160.68 for full day care, €95.02 for part-time care, and €69.28 for sessional care.

Cavan is part of the list of counties with lower average weekly childcare fees, recording costs of €160.88 for full day care, €95.39 for part-time care, and €69.21 for sessional care.

Roscommon demonstrates lower average weekly childcare fees, with costs of €161.94 for full day care, €99.36 for part-time care, and €72.13 for sessional care.

Monagahan and Carlow are positioned as two of the more affordable counties.

In Monaghan costs come in at of €153.42 for full day care, €87.76 for part-time care, and €65.52 for sessional care.

While in Carlow, costs come in at of €152.08 for full day care, €88.76 for part-time care, and €71.27 for sessional care.