Key takeaway
Childcare in Ireland is expensive but there are significant State subsidies available. The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and ECCE free preschool year can substantially reduce your costs.
Key things to know
- The ECCE scheme provides one free preschool year for children aged approximately 2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months.
- The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides subsidies for children from 6 months to school-starting age.
- NCS subsidies are means-tested — your household income determines the hourly subsidy rate.
- All children are entitled to the universal NCS subsidy regardless of income.
- Apply for NCS at ncs.gov.ie — you need a MyGovID and your child's PPS number.
Why Childcare Is Expensive in Ireland
Ireland has historically had among the highest private childcare costs in the EU. The Government has introduced significant subsidies in recent years to address this, but costs can still be substantial, particularly in urban areas for children under 3.
ECCE — Free Preschool Year
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme provides free preschool for children from approximately 2 years 8 months old until they start primary school. Children attend for 3 hours per day, 5 days a week, during the school year (approximately September to June). This is available at registered ECCE providers nationwide — find providers through your county childcare committee.
ECCE is available to all children regardless of income or nationality, as long as they are resident in Ireland.
National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
The NCS provides two types of subsidy for children from 6 months old up to when they start primary school (and for school-age childcare):
- Universal Subsidy: A flat-rate hourly subsidy available to all children regardless of household income. Currently €1.40 per hour (verify at ncs.gov.ie as rates are reviewed).
- Income-Based Subsidy: An additional subsidy for lower-income households, calculated based on your household income and the number of children. Higher subsidies are available for lower incomes.
Subsidies are paid directly to your registered childcare provider — you pay the reduced rate. Apply at ncs.gov.ie.
What You Need to Apply for NCS
- A MyGovID account (verified level)
- Your child's PPS number
- Your most recent tax assessment from Revenue (used to assess household income)
- Details of your registered childcare provider
Finding a Childcare Provider
Use the Childcare Search tool on ncs.gov.ie to find registered providers near you. When choosing, check whether the provider participates in ECCE and NCS (most do), their opening hours, fees, and any waiting list. Demand for childcare places — especially for babies under 1 — significantly exceeds supply in many areas. Put your name on waiting lists as early as possible, ideally before or during pregnancy.
For Childminders
If you use a childminder who comes to your home or your child goes to the childminder's home, NCS subsidies can still apply if the childminder is registered. A new childminder registration scheme has been introduced — check ncs.gov.ie for current eligibility.
Sources: ncs.gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, gov.ie
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.