Almost 1,000 children are waiting for early years childcare places in Waterford, according to the latest figures from Pobal.

A total of 986 children are on waiting lists in the county, while full-time childcare for one child is costing Waterford families an average of €740.64 per month.

Nationally, 46,241 children under the age of three are waiting for an early years place.

Carrie O’Hanlon, a parent and one of the founders of the Tramore Childcare Campaign, says the shortage forced her to take extended unpaid leave because she could not return to work without appropriate childcare.

‘Families across Tramore and throughout the country are facing the same impossible situation,’ she said.

‘We recently surveyed families in Tramore and found that at least 49% more childcare places are needed to meet demand, particularly for children under three.’

The National Women’s Council is highlighting the figures ahead of Budget 2027 and is calling for greater State involvement in childcare.

It wants publicly-delivered early years services rolled out in underserved communities and is calling on the Government to begin paying childcare educators’ wages as a way of reducing fees for parents.

NWC Executive Director Corrinne Hasson says the shortage of childcare is particularly affecting women, with some having to reduce their working hours or take unpaid leave.