More than 3,900 children under three in Cork are on waiting lists for creche places

Data shows 652 Cork children under the age of one are vying for just 15 places available

Nationally, about 40,000 children remain on a waiting list for a creche place at the end of the summer break. File picture

About 40,000 children in Ireland remain on a waiting list for a creche place at the end of the summer break as, in Cork alone, 652 children under the age of one are vying for just 15 places available.

Early Childhood Ireland, using data from Pobal, said the figures showed significant shortfalls around the country and the Government will be unable to expand capacity unless significant resources are allocated to the early years sector in the upcoming budget.