Lack of childcare is “driving parents out of the workforce”, one provider has claimed. 

In Budget 2024, the Government announced a €1.1 billion funding boost for childcare and early learning.

Despite this, many parents are unable to find creche places for their children.

Speaking to Lunchtime Live, Averil Sheenan from Care-a-lot Childcare in Cork described it as an issue across the country.

“Across the nation, there are 6,000 parents looking for childcare places for under 1s,” she said.

“In the age bracket of two to three, there are 13,000 parents looking for places but there’s only 675 available.

“So, as you can see, there’s a huge demand for childcare places - and that’s across the board in each and every county.

“It’s driving parents out of the workforce.”

Babies playing on the floor with toys in a creche. Picture by: Oksana Kuzmina / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Sheenan said she has “distraught” parents ringing her on a daily basis but admits she can do nothing to help them.

“I’ve given up answering the phone here,” she said.

“If you’re looking for a place for your child, please send an email, pop your name, date of birth and how many days.

“But if you’re looking for anything before September 2026, don’t bother contacting us.”

Although there has been a 70% increase to State funding for childcare since 2020, Ms Sheenan said it is still not enough to cover rising costs.

“Core funding is driving a lot of services out of the sector and they’re closing down,” she said.

“Our uptodate data isn’t there from the Department isn’t there right now - they’re kind of saying, ‘Oh no, there’s one opening up for everyone’ - but that’s not the case.”

Twin toddlers being fed. Picture by: Alamy.com

Lunchtime Live listener Ciara said the entire childcare system in Ireland needs a “radical cultural change” if it is to function properly.

“That means looking not only at service providers but maternity leave - proper paid and mandatory paternity leave,” she said.

“I was just looking at a new thing coming in in Sweden where they are paying grandparents to mind their grandchildren.”

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Main image: A toddler at an outdoor playground. Picture by: sondem / Alamy Stock Photo