UPDATE: Department of Children reacts to Kildare childcare survey

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has given its view on a recent survey which related to childcare places in one County Kildare town.

Yesterday (September 29 last), the Leinster Leader reported on the findings, which found that nearly half of the parents surveyed in Kilcullen are considering giving up their work due to the lack of childcare places in the town.

The survey was carried out by a local community group called Kilcullen Needs Childcare, and was also highlighted by Labour Party TD Mark Wall.

The Leader asked the Department for comment on the survey, as well as Deputy Wall's views.

And today (September 30), a spokesperson for the Department has responded to the Leader's request.

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The spokesperson said: "Improving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare to support parents and their children is a key priority of the government.

"Data from the 'Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2023 / 24' shows that the estimated number of children enrolled in early years services increased by approximately 22 per cent in Kildare from the 2021 / 22 programme year. 

"However, demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children."

The spokesperson continued: "The Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding, which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced.     

"In 2025, €25 million was made available for the 'Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme' for the extension of existing early years premises for private services, or for the construction or purchase of new premises for community services.

They also claimed that the scheme "will deliver up to 1,500 full-day care places for one-to-three year olds — the projects include services in Kildare".

The spokesperson concluded: "The 'Programme for Government' commits for the first time to provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned early learning and childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists; this work will be supported through capital investment under the revised 'National Development Plan'."

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