Cork childcare crisis: 300 families face 34% hike in provider fees, warns TD

Concerns have been raised about the combined decrease in the number of early years and childcare facilities in Cork.

It comes as figures provided by minister for children Norma Foley show a decrease of 19 in the number of early childcare and education (ECCE) programme creche and childcare facilities in the last five years.

The number peaked at 136 in 2021/22, but it has fallen to 117 in 2024/25.

Cork North Central Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O’Sullivan asked Ms Foley to outline the steps being taken to prevent the closure of early years and creche services, and if there was a timeframe in place to cap childcare costs.

He said that providers leaving the core funding scheme meant fees were increasing for parents.

“One of the largest childcare providers in the country closed its doors to the scheme a couple of months ago in Carrigtwohill, namely Mary Geary’s Childcare. That facility has 450 children,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“We are particularly concerned because there are about 300 families with 450 children affected, and they are faced with the prospect of a 34% hike in fees because the provider has decided to go outside of the core scheme.”

“[The provider] is perfectly entitled to make that decision, but there are very few alternatives for people. They feel tied to the service, and that is a massive increase for any household to take on,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

In reply, Ms Foley said: “We are already at 90% of providers having joined core funding, which is 5% ahead of where we were at this time last year.

“The opportunity to engage in core funding remains open, and services can sign up to the fourth year of the scheme at any point in the year.

“I am committed to seeking to do even more to provide resources.

“The deputy referred to services closing. Every year, some services will close while new services will open.

“That is the reality of it, but 2024 saw a net increase of 226 services nationally.”

Ms Foley said there is “unprecedented government funding going into the sector”.

“On areas of significant demand, we are looking at areas across the country via the forward planning unit we have.

“Where private providers are not in a position to provide, the Government will seek to step in through State-led facilities.”

Mr O’Sullivan said the Carrigtwohill facility was the largest of its kind in Munster — if not the entire country: “I asked the Taoiseach about it last week, but have still not received a response.”