Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed new figures showing a significant increase in the number of children in Galway benefiting from supports under the National Childcare Scheme.

Provisional data for 2025 shows that 17,150 children in County Galway availed of National Childcare Scheme subsidies, representing a 10% increase on the 15,528 children supported in 2024. The growth reflects continued strong uptake of childcare supports by families across the county.

Nationally, around 245,000 children benefited from the scheme in 2025, an increase of 12% on the previous year.

Welcoming the Galway figures, Minister Canney said the increase demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in affordable early learning and childcare.

“This growth in Galway shows how vital the National Childcare Scheme has become for families in managing the cost of early learning and childcare,” Minister Canney said. “Supports like these make a real difference for parents, while also strengthening the childcare sector across communities.”

The increase in uptake follows a range of recent Government measures, including a 53% increase in the minimum hourly National Childcare Scheme subsidy from September 2024, as well as ongoing investment through Core Funding to support providers.

Minister Canney also welcomed forthcoming changes announced by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, which will further improve affordability for families.

From September 2026, income thresholds for income-assessed subsidies will increase, with the lower threshold rising from €26,000 to €34,000 and the upper threshold from €60,000 to €68,000. Additional enhancements, including an increased multiple-child discount and reductions in maximum fees charged by providers, are also planned.

“These measures will build on the progress already made and ensure that more families in Galway can access high-quality, affordable childcare close to home,” Minister Canney added.