Nearly 500 infants in Westmeath struggle to secure crèche spots

There are 477 children in Westmeath under the age of three who are on waiting lists for crèche spaces ahead of the approaching school year.

Of these, 82 children are under the age of one, with just three places available to them.

Some 183 children between the ages of one and two are currently vying for 19 places, while 212 children between the ages of two and three are on waiting lists with 63 places available.

Early Childhood Ireland is now calling on the Government to introduce measures in Budget 2025 that would alleviate pressures on the country’s early years education capacity.

Director of Policy Frances Byrne called for the implementation of two- and five-year local and national planning cycles “to ensure that there are enough places for children in their communities.”

“We hear stories of parents putting their child’s name down for a crèche place before they’re even born,” she said.

“We know how many children are born in the state every year, and we need the government to enact a proper capacity planning system to meet the needs and rights of young children.”