Leitrim sees rise in families accessing National Childcare Scheme payments

The number of children in Leitrim receiving subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) increased in 2025 compared to the previous year.

In 2024, 1,961 children in Leitrim were receiving subsidies under the NCS. This number rose to 2,235 in 2025, representing an increase of 14 percent. 

The scheme provides subsidies that substantially reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for tens of thousands of families across the country.

Nationally, new data from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality shows that around 245,000 children benefitted from the scheme in 2025, representing a 12 percent increase on the approximately 218,000 children who benefited in 2024.

The NCS consists of 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 calculated based on the family’s individual circumstances.

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Speaking on the increase in children in Leitrim receiving subsidies under the NCS, Councillor for Ballinamore area Gary Prior said it reflects a combination of factors. “On one hand, improvements to the national childcare scheme have made subsidies more accessible to families, on the other hand it also highlights the growing financial pressure on households, with more parents relying on subsidies simply to afford childcare and remain in work or education,” said Cllr Prior.

Expensive childcare, and childcare places filling up quickly, leaving a lack of availability for many families, has been an issue affecting many in Leitrim. Some parents may feel that subsidies don’t help if there are no local childcare places.

“In parts of Leitrim families qualify for subsidies but still struggle to find a local childcare place. This also shows that affordability and availability must be addressed together, particularly in rural areas such as Leitrim,” added Cllr Prior, noting that rural families often face longer travel distances, fewer childcare providers, and staffing shortages.

“I would like to see targeted supports, such as capital funding through the Building Blocks Capital Programmes and investment in the childcare workforce. These supports will ensure Leitrim has childcare which is accessible for all families,” concluded Cllr Prior.

Changes will be made to the income-assessed subsidy under NCS in September 2026, which will increase the lower income threshold from €26,000 to €34,000 and the upper threshold from €60,000 to €68,000. 

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The multiple child discount will also be increased, reducing parents’ reckonable income for the income-assessed subsidy.

There will also be reductions in the highest fees charged to parents across the country from September 2026, with the lowering of the maximum fees that Core Funding Partner Services can charge.