The average weekly cost of childcare across Galway is €180.96 per week for one child in full-time care – and there are 3,032 children are on waiting lists across the city and county.

That’s according to the most recent Pobal figures for 2023/24 – and, according to the National Women’s Council, these fees are completely unsustainable for countless families even when State subsidies are taken into account.

In addition, the NWC – in its pre-budget submission – claimed that lack of available places is acting as a major barrier for women to return to work and for their full participation in all aspects of society.

It claimed that Ireland ranked in the top three countries in Europe for childcare costs.

And it pointed to last year’s Programme for Government, when Government promised to cap childcare fees at €200 per month and to begin providing State-run services in communities facing the greatest childcare gaps.

But more than a year on, families, children and educators are still waiting and meaningful progress is yet to be made.

NWC has urged the Government to use Budget 2026  to deliver a transformative shift in Ireland’s early childhood education and care system.

This call is supported by over 40 civil society organisations who have come together in the Together for Public Alliance to campaign for a public system of early childhood education and care.

Director of The National Women’s Council Orla O’Connor said that families across the country were under enormous pressure, paying some of the highest childcare costs in Europe.

“Many are struggling to even secure a place. Our broken childcare system particularly affects women who are forced to make difficult decisions about their careers and lives,” she said.

Specifically, NWC is calling on the Government to invest an additional €300m to reduce costs for families; to expand targeted supports and funding schemes such as Equal Start and AIM, and to provide ring-fenced funding for educators’ wages.

“The Government has promised to tackle the crisis and must now deliver,” said Ms O’Connor.

“Budget 2026 is a unique opportunity to invest in building a public system of early childhood education and care that is affordable for parents, values educators, and supports women and families.

“We want to see a system where every child who needs a place has access to one, just as children do in the primary school system.”

Women’s Equality Co-ordinator at the NWC, Donal Swan, said that early childhood education and care should be treated as essential public infrastructure – not a luxury only for those who can afford it.

“The only way Ireland can meet its own targets and come in line with other EU countries is by moving away from a private, market-led model and buildling a truly public system,” he said.

Pictured: Director of The National Women’s Council Orla O’Connor.