More than 25,500 Cork families received childcare subsidies last year

Parents of more than 25,500 children across Cork city and county availed of childcare subsidies in 2025 — a 15% increase in the uptake of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) on the previous year.

Figures show the early learning and childcare costs of 25,533 children in Cork, aged between 24 weeks and 15-years-old, were subsidised last year under the NCS, which provides financial supports to families under two streams.

Financial supports offered include a universal subsidy which is not means tested and provides €2.14 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week; and an income-assessed subsidy, which is means tested, and is calculated based on a family’s individual circumstances.

Huge concern

Fine Gael Cork North Central TD, Colm Burke said the figures, which he provided to The Echo, represent the Government’s commitment to the childcare sector.

“Access to affordable quality childcare remains a huge concern for families.

“Subsidies within the scheme substantially reduce the cost of early learning and childcare," said Mr Burke.

“The increase in uptake reflects the Government’s continued investment in the sector, including a 53% increase in the minimum hourly NCS subsidy from September 2024.

“The NCS has undergone a significant number of enhancements in recent years and new, lower maximum fee changes for families paying the highest prices and higher subsidies for lower income families are on the way in September,” Mr Burke added.

“It’s essential that we build on the momentum of the reduced fees to fulfil the programme for government’s commitment to develop an early childhood education and care system, with State-led facilities adding capacity.”