Childcare crisis in Waterford town 'a barrier to gender equality' as mothers forced to give up work

The lack of afterschool in the area is also impacting on employment, with many of those surveyed reporting they were unable to return to work because of childcare issues locally. File picture

An acute shortage of childcare places in a seaside town in the South-East reflects the growing presence of “childcare deserts” across the country, the National Woman’s Council has warned.

Figures collected by the Tramore Childcare Campaign in Co Waterford suggest at least 152 more childcare places are currently needed in the town, with the shortage particularly acute for toddlers under the age of three.

The group, which formed in response to the shortage of childcare and afterschool places locally, estimates there are currently 374 filled childcare places across Tramore.

A survey conducted by the Tramore Childcare Campaign included input from 100 households. It found more than 70% were relying on grandparents and informal care networks "just to get by".

The lack of afterschool in the area is also impacting on employment, with many of those surveyed reporting they were unable to return to work because of childcare issues locally.

This was particularly felt by women, who were often unable to return to work on dates requested by their employers.

Carrie O’Hanlon, a mother of two who has taken extended unplanned leave due to the shortage, said she knows firsthand the situation in Tramore is not just an "inconvenience".

“It's a structural barrier. The relentless demands of motherhood leave women with no capacity to advocate for such structural change, which is how this crisis has mushroomed," she said.

Mothers simply absorb the career, financial, and emotional costs as a private sacrifice. But a private sacrifice is no substitute for public infrastructure. We are done waiting for piecemeal fixes.

"Tramore needs direct State-led investment and real accountability so the women, and families in our community have genuine security of choice," she added.

The situation in Tramore is happening right across the country, said Corrinne Hasson, executive director of the National Women’s Council.

“The lack of quality, affordable childcare is the number one barrier to gender equality in Ireland, and the situation in Tramore illustrates exactly why that is.”

“We urge the government to take action on this in Budget 2027 and begin the rollout of pilot models of public childcare right across the country, especially in childcare deserts like Tramore.” 

Reliance on informal care networks is often not an option for migrant women, who may not have family nearby, Ms Hasson added. 

“The childcare crisis impacts groups like migrant women, Traveller and Roma women, and parents of children with additional needs even more acutely.

“In a public system, every child would be guaranteed a place by law, so that no matter where their parents are from, who they are, or what needs a child might have, they would be educated and cared for during those crucial early years.”

The current programme for government commits to reduce fees to €200 per month per child.