Poor wages, bureaucracy, over-regulation and under-funding of the sector are the reasons given for its closure.

A local MEP has raised the issue of extortionate childcare costs in Ireland in the European Parliament

Monaghan County Council will make a decision on the application in June.

From yesterday, childcare fees dropped by 25%.

'The Government and I as Minister have prioritised investment in childcare'

Paula Donohoe operates Clever Clogs Childcare Services in Ballyconnell and had been fighting for these improvements for a number of decades.

'The centre will accommodate 84 children'

It’s reported that the shortage of spaces has forced parents to book places as soon as they become pregnant, or even before conceiving in some cases.