Childcare in Waterford: ‘A private sacrifice is no substitute for public infrastructure'
Of those surveyed 49% saif they were unable to return to work because of a lack of childcare. Stock Image.
The National Women’s Council (NWC) have called on the Government to act to prevent the spread of childcare deserts like Tramore.
The call comes as the Tramore Childcare Campaign released figures from a recent survey showing that there needs to be a 152 or 49% increase in the number of places available.
This is especially important for children under three years.
Executive Director of NWC Corrinne Hasson said Tramore is not the only place with parents struggling to access childcare.
“What’s happening in Tramore is happening right across the country. 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,” said Ms Hasson.
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Of those surveyed, 62% said they could not find suitable childcare in Tramore.
The group was formed to respond to issues parents are facing and is affiliated with Together for Public.
The group estimates that there are currently 374 (occupied) places available across Tramore.
These figures reflect the picture across the country, where baby and toddler spaces are consistently too low to meet demand.
The lack of afterschool is causing significant difficulties for parents.
Carrie O’Hanlon, a parent of two young girls, has had to take extended unpaid leave because of a lack of childcare.
“As a mother of two forced to take significant unplanned leave by Tramore's childcare crisis, I know firsthand that this isn't 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; 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," said Ms O’Hanlon.
Seventy-six per cent said the crisis in the town was increasing stress in their household, with 49% saying they were unable to return to work because of it.
Lack of childcare is particularly felt by women, who are often unable to return to work on dates demanded by their employers, and 84% of respondents to the survey were women.
“Reliance on informal care networks is often not an option for migrant women, who may not have family nearby.
“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,” said Ms Hasson (NWC).
