Rising council rates may push up childcare costs

Childcare providers are warning that creches around the country may be forced to close or increases their charges due to rising local authority rates.

The National Childrens' Nurseries Association says providers in south Co Dublin have already been hit with increases of up to €10,000-a-year.

It says the HSE caps the number of children that can be looked after in each particular facility, so operators cannot take in more children to cover the increased cost.

This means they must pass it on to parents or close their business entirely.