Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness has directly challenged the Taoiseach over the shortage of childcare places in Waterford, highlighting the difficulties facing parents in Tramore, Dungarvan and Waterford.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy McGuinness called on the Government to address the lack of suitable childcare placements, which is preventing parents from taking up employment or returning to work.

Deputy McGuinness said:

“Parents across Waterford are struggling to find childcare places for their children. In many cases, they simply cannot find a suitable placement at all.

“That means parents are being prevented from taking up jobs or returning to work because they cannot access the childcare they need. That is completely unacceptable.

“Childcare is an essential service, and childcare facilities are essential infrastructure. They support families, enable people to work and benefit the wider economy. Yet parents in larger towns like Dungarvan and Tramore are being failed by a system that cannot meet demand. There are similar issues in towns and villages, with some childcare providers leaving the sector.

“I raised this directly with the Taoiseach and challenged him to address the situation in Waterford.

“Once again, we heard the old promise to reduce childcare costs. But we have seen little progress, and the can has been kicked down the road yet again.

“Affordability is a huge part of this crisis, but it is only half the story. Capacity is another urgent issue, What good is cheaper childcare if there is no place available for your child?

“The Government needs to get a grip on this. Parents in Waterford cannot keep waiting for promises to be delivered. They need affordable childcare and they need places for their children. The Government is failing them on both fronts.”