A noted fourteen percent increase in childcare costs in Westmeath in the past five years has accelerated the county’s creche charges above the national average.
Westmeath families are now paying €758.33 on average per month for the full time care of a two year old child, compared to €663 in 2013, while the national average monthly cost of a child of similar age in full time care is €745 – a 5.5 percent increase compared on the same statistic from five years previously.
Neighbouring county Longford, meanwhile, has the lowest average childcare costs per month according to the survey results at €650, still reflecting an eight percent increase compared to 2013.
The survey compared 135 crèches and childcare providers throughout the country and found that Dublin had the highest costs which climbed to €1,047 per month on average, an almost nine percent increase compared to the same detail five years ago.
