Wicklow Among The Highest In The Country For Childcare Costs

Parents in Wicklow and around the country are paying up to 8 percent more for childcare this year.

The garden county has the highest average full time charge of any county outside of Dublin at €204, and the third highest sessional charge in the country at just over €79.

The highest full-time fees for childcare is in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown at 251 euro per week, which also has the highest Sessional charge of €87

Meanwhile, the lowest fees for children aged 2 to 3 is in Carlow at 148 euro.
The Children's Minister says the cost to families remains higher in Ireland than in other countries across Europe.

Katherine Zappone is urging parents to see if they're eligible for new supports under the National Childcare Scheme.