Nearly 6,000 Mayo children benefit from National Childcare Scheme

245,000 children benefited from the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) in 2025, representing a 12 percent increase on the previous year, according to new figures published by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

Strong growth was recorded in several counties. In Mayo, the number of children supported by the scheme rose by 15 percent, increasing from 5,152 in 2024 to 5,944 in 2025, reflecting growing demand for affordable childcare supports in the county.

Fine Gael TD for Mayo Keira Keogh said the figures show the positive impact of the scheme locally and nationally. “Subsidies within the scheme substantially reduce the cost of early learning and childcare and I’m very pleased that in our own county of Mayo, 5,944 children benefitted from the scheme last year, an increase of 15 per cent on 2024,” she said.

Deputy Keogh added that the growth reflects continued Government investment in the sector, including a 53 percent increase in the minimum hourly National Childcare Scheme subsidy introduced in September 2024.

She also stressed the importance of supporting private childcare providers in the county.

“We must support private childcare providers here in Mayo in accessing the National Childcare Scheme, and ensure that families can benefit from reduced childcare costs regardless of whether they use community or privately run services,” she added.

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley welcomed the national increase, saying it reflected sustained Government investment in early learning and childcare.

“This increase in the number of children benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme is a positive development,” the Minister said. “The scheme has undergone a significant number of enhancements in recent years and we will continue to build on that progress. New, lower maximum fee changes for families paying the highest prices and higher subsidies for lower income families are on the way in September.”

Under the Government’s Shaping the Future: The Early Years Action Plan, from September 2026, the lower income threshold for income-assessed subsidies will rise from €26,000 to €34,000, while the upper threshold will increase from €60,000 to €68,000. The multiple child discount will also be expanded.

In addition, maximum fees charged by childcare providers participating in the Core Funding model are expected to fall later in 2026, following an analysis of providers’ financial returns.

The National Childcare Scheme, introduced in 2019, operates on the principle of progressive universalism, providing the greatest level of support to families on the lowest incomes while maintaining a universal subsidy for all eligible children. Universal subsidies currently provide €2.14 per hour for up to 45 hours per week, while income-assessed subsidies vary based on household income, the child’s age and family circumstances.

The Department cautioned that the figures remain provisional and may increase as additional claims are finalised. Children may also be counted in more than one county during the year, although each child is counted once in the final national total.

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