A Clare family resource centre says parents are missing vital appointments and experiencing reduced quality of life due to a lack of childcare options.
A new report from Early Childhood Ireland has found that almost 60% of adults in Munster don’t believe the Government is doing enough to address the shortage of early years places.
The Early Childhood Ireland Barometer 2026 comes as roughly 40,000 children under the age of three, including about 1,200 in Clare alone, are waiting for a childcare place.
The problem is acutely felt in Munster, with 81% of respondents to the survey from the province saying every child should be guaranteed “high quality and inclusive” early years care in their community.
Just 36% of people from the region, meanwhile, believe the Government is investing enough in the sector.
Funding and staffing have long been identified as the key issues for providers.
Cathal Dillon of the Shannon Family Resource Centre says failure to secure childcare has a detrimental impact on parents’ lives.
Early Childhood Ireland is advocating for a move towards the Nordic model of childcare which includes paid parental leave, access to universal and subsidised care, and individual taxation.
Its latest report shows that 71% of Munster-based respondents are in favour of such a shift.
Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, Frances Byrne, believes it’s a far more equitable system with superior outcomes.
You can listen to the full interview below.
