State-led childcare 'desperately needed' in these Kildare towns

A Fine Gael TD for Kildare North has raised the lack of childcare in the region in the Dáil.

Speaking on Thursday, May 21 2026, Deputy Joe Neville called on Minister Helen McEntee to provide an update on State-led childcare.

Deputy Neville told the Minister that it is “desperately needed” to address the shortages in towns like Kilcock, Maynooth and Naas.

He said: “I get multiple emails each week from people who are struggling to get childcare in their areas and want to get back into the workforce. Many of them are mothers who are sacrificing their own careers. Often, both parents are struggling in this situation.

“I welcome that the State is for the first time pushing towards introducing State-led childcare frameworks. I ask for a timeline on delivery and that a town like Kilcock could be set out as a pilot.”

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Responding to Deputy Neville, the Minister conceded that there are towns and villages that have seen “significant growth” in recent years, where the provision of services has not matched it.

She said: “The Deputy mentioned Kilcock in particular. There are a lot of young families where both parents are working. We need to make sure we provide support for them through childcare so they can continue in their work.

“As he said, some of Kilcock is in my constituency so I am very aware of the challenges and concerns that parents have. He mentioned that we as a Government and our party, Fine Gael, advocated strongly before coming into government for a State-led childcare scheme that would fill the gaps where we do not have services, where it is not possible for private providers to expand or grow, and where we need to see investment in particular areas with strong growth.

“The building blocks extension grant scheme is currently operating to try to support extension of existing premises and, in the case of community operators, the purchase or construction of new buildings. In addition, earlier this year the Minister launched a new programme of investment in State-led early learning and childcare.

“Under the early learning and childcare capital programme, the Government and Department will select up to eight facilities a year.”

The Minister concluded by saying she will ask the Minister for the areas specified by Deputy Neville to be identified, given that there is large population and family growth.

However, the Minister added she did not have a timeline for this.