9,866 children in Donegal being supported by National Childcare Scheme

A total of 9,866 children in Donegal received subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) in 2025 – an increase of 11 per cent on the 8,894 children that were supported in 2024.

Commenting on the figures released by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said the rise in Donegal children receiving support through the scheme reflects the growing impact of Government investment in local childcare affordability.

READ NEXT: Donegal authorities urged to increase employment of those with disabilities

"I am delighted to see nearly 10,000 children across Donegal are benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme. This 11 per cent increase is extremely significant and represents thousands of Donegal families seeing a real reduction in their weekly outgoings. Making childcare more affordable is a key priority for this Government, and these figures show that our policies are delivering tangible results for parents in our community."

The increase in uptake follows a 53 per cent rise in the minimum hourly NCS subsidy introduced in late 2024. Nationally, the scheme supported 245,000 children in 2025, a 12 per cent rise year-on-year.

Pointing out that further support will be secured for Donegal families through the ‘Shaping the Future: The Early Years Action Plan’, the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added: “From September 2026, the lower income threshold for subsidies will rise from €26,000 to €34,000, while the upper threshold will increase to €68,000, improving affordability for an additional 47,000 children from low-income families nationwide.”

"By increasing the income thresholds and introducing lower maximum fee caps later this year, we are ensuring that quality early learning and childcare is within reach for more families in Donegal. This initiative is vital for supporting parents returning to work or education, while ensuring our children get the best possible start in life,” the Donegal Minister of State commented.

The National Childcare Scheme remains the first ever statutory entitlement to financial support for childcare in Ireland, offering both universal subsidies and income-assessed supports for children up to 15 years of age.

“I thank the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, and her team for their work in this area. It’s great to see such a notable increase in the number of children coming under the scheme here in Donegal,” Minister McConalogue added.