Budget 2026: Childcare cost ‘is basically a second mortgage’

Monica Zanini and Stephen Ryan with their children, Sophia and Jack, in Mogeely, Co Cork. The family's afterschool and creche costs come to €920 a month, which Monica says is 'basically a second mortgage'. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Sarah Foley is one of many mothers in Ireland struggling with crippling childcare costs which, at €1,200 a month, is similar to many people’s monthly mortgage repayments.

Ms Foley, who lives in Glanmire in Cork, is mum to two children, Viggo, age 1, and Emil, 4.