Budget 2027: Childcare costs to fall for families across Ireland

Families across Ireland are set to benefit from reduced early learning and childcare costs from September 2027, following measures announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley under Budget 2027.

The package includes lower maximum fees for providers participating in Core Funding, increased National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidies and expanded support for families on lower incomes.

Under the changes, the universal NCS subsidy will rise from €2.14 to €2.50 per hour for children up to senior infants, while the base income threshold for income-assessed subsidies will increase from €34,000 to €38,500.

The Department has outlined significant potential savings for families. A household using 25 hours of childcare weekly could see its monthly bill fall from €458 to €350, saving €1,296 annually over 48 weeks.

For a 45-hour full-time place, the maximum monthly cost for a child up to senior infants will fall from €735 to €550, representing annual savings of more than €2,200. Families requiring 50 hours weekly could see costs reduced from approximately €959 to €750 per month.

School-age childcare fees will also be affected, with the maximum weekly cost for a 45-hour holiday-care place for children in first class and above falling from €183.70 to €137.50.

Minister Foley said the measures would improve affordability while expanding access to childcare places and supporting the recruitment and retention of early years professionals.

The package also extends Access and Inclusion Model supports to children under three with disabilities from September 2027, benefiting an estimated 1,000 children.

Meanwhile, Core Funding for more than 4,600 providers will increase by over €170 million to more than €650 million, including approximately €50 million for employment regulation negotiations covering early years and school-age childcare staff.