As many children in Cavan return to Early Years and School Age Care settings this week after the summer break, over 500 children remain on waiting lists for a place.
Early Childhood Ireland warns that without significant investment in the Early Years workforce in Budget 2026, efforts to expand capacity will fall short.
The latest figures from Pobal, show that 518 children under the age of three are currently on crèche waiting lists, highlighting the high demand for places in Cavan.
Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, Frances Byrne, said, "No child should miss out because of failures to invest properly in this vital workforce, yet that's exactly what's happening to hundreds of children in Cavan."
In its Budget 2026 Submission, Early Childhood Ireland has urged the government to name a date to bring pay and conditions for Early Years and School Age Care graduates in line with primary school teachers, who are educated and trained to the same level.
This would begin to reverse the average staff turnover rate, which is over 22% in Cavan.
Frances Byrne continued; "It's incredibly tough for parents trying to find a place for their child. At the same time, we hear from many of our 71 members in Cavan about how they want to expand, they're ready to grow, but they struggle to recruit and retain qualified educators.
"We can't expand access for children unless we improve pay and conditions for those who deliver that care and education. You can't separate the two, and we hope the government sees that."
