National Childcare Scheme Increases In Midlands

Offaly recorded one of the strongest growth rates nationally.

There is an increase in children being supported by the National Childcare Scheme in the Midlands. 

Offaly recorded one of the strongest growth rates nationally, with an 18% increase from 2024 to 2025. 

Westmeath follows rising by 10% for the same period and there's been an uptake of 5% in Laois. 

Overall 12,079 children across the midlands availed of the service in 2025. 

The scheme provides subsidies to reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for families. 

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