A new report by Pobal has revealed that childcare fees have increased by €7 per week on average across Ireland.
The study gathered data on how much parents are paying for five days of childcare a week for one child. In one year, the price has jumped from €167.03 to €174.16. In the previous five years the average weekly cost of childcare had ranged from €165 to €167.
Parents in Dublin — Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown were paying the most at €228 a week. Childcare was most affordable in Leitrim, costing €142.77.
The Early Years Sector Profile report also featured data on employment in the sector — which currently stands at 27,000 people. The report further revealed that there are currently 186,000 children attending early years services across Ireland.
The report can be read in full
here.