Shortage of community creches in Kildare is 'shocking'

Kildare is grossly underserved by community creches, which offer community based and not-for-profit childcare services.

However independent councillor and general election candidate Bill Clear says” the underinvestment in these around the county is shocking.”

He said that Kildare is Ireland’s second fastest-growing county by population but has only eight community creche “placing it last in the country for such essential services.” 

He added: “Even more alarming is that only two of these facilities are located in north Kildare, an area experiencing rapid growth and increasing demand for affordable childcare.”

As the population grows, he said, the lack of accessible community crèches highlights a serious failure in addressing the needs of working families. 

“The benefits of community-based childcare are well-documented: they provide affordable, high-quality early education while fostering social inclusion. Yet, in Kildare, families are left struggling to find suitable options.

“This situation is unacceptable. We need investment in critical services like community crèches, not superficial distractions. Our priority should be ensuring that families can access affordable, reliable childcare - helping parents return to work and children get the best start in life. Kildare deserves better (it needs) community creches, not phone pouches.”