Hundreds of children on waiting lists for early childcare services in Waterford

There are hundreds of children on waiting lists for early childcare services in County Waterford, new figures have revealed.

The latest Pobal figures show that there are 986 children on waiting lists for such services in the county.

In addition, it has been revealed that childcare is costing Waterford parents an average of €740.64 per month for one child in full-time care.

The National Women’s Council (NWC) has said that the Government must intervene urgently to provide early years education and care to such children.

It outlined that there are a total of 46,241 children under the age of three on waiting lists for childcare nationwide.

NWC Executive Director Corrinne Hasson said: “These figures really underline how significant this problem has become for parents, and for women in particular.

“It is simply not acceptable anymore that women have to take unpaid time off work, leave their careers altogether, or cut back on their participation in education, the arts and sports, because they cannot find childcare.

“In many countries, public childcare that is accessible and affordable is the norm. What is stopping us from having the same?”

In recent months, the Tramore Childcare Campaign has highlighted the problem in the Waterford seaside town in particular.

One of the founders of campaign, Carrie O’Hanlon, said: “I’m a mother of two and had to take significant extended unpaid leave because I could not go back to work without appropriate childcare.

“Sadly, my experience is far from unique. Families across Tramore and throughout the country are facing the same impossible situation.

“The crisis has reached breaking point. We recently surveyed families in Tramore and found that at least 49 per cent more childcare places are needed to meet demand, particularly for children under three.

“Tramore needs direct state investment and real accountability so parents, especially women, can get back to work and have genuine security of choice.”

Ahead of Budget 2027, NWC is calling on the Government to roll-out publicly-delivered early childhood education and care services in marginalised and underserved communities.

NWC is also calling on the Government to begin paying wages for educators, as a feasible way to fulfil election promises of childcare costing less than €200 a month.

Corrinne Hasson said: “Budget 2027 is a unique opportunity for this Government to make significant inroads in tackling the childcare crisis but this will only be achieved if the investment is focused on making the systemic changes that we need.

“Paying educators’ wages has clearly emerged as the most effective way to bring down costs.

“In addition, we need to prioritise the roll out of State-led childcare in the childcare deserts to ensure all children and families have access to the early education and care that they need.”

The National Women’s Council (NWC) this week convened the Together for Public Alliance for Early Years Education and Care, which is comprised of over 50 organisations.

Members of the alliance gathered to highlight the large numbers of children on childcare waiting lists.