There has been a five percent increase in costs since 2013.
A nationwide survey of childcare costs has revealed a huge disparity in costs in different parts of the country.
The survey carried out by
Newstalk found that the national average monthly cost of full-time care for a two-year-old is €745 which is an increase of 5.5 percent since the survey was carried out back in 2013.
The survey looked at the costs of 135 creches and childcare providers around Ireland and unsurprisingly found that Dublin was the most expensive area with the average monthly cost being €1,047, a nine percent increase from 2013.
The commuter belt areas around Dublin were also found to be among the most expensive areas for childcare and Wicklow’s monthly prices averaged over the €1,000 mark.
Kildare, Meath and Louth also ranked among the most expensive, taking fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively in the survey.
On the other end of the scale, however, the survey found that Longford has the lowest average childcare cost per month with the average being €650.
However, that still showed an eight percent increase from 2013.
“The rise of childcare costs across the country is a big issue for our audience,” Newstalk presenter Kieran Cuddihy said of the findings.
“Families are under severe pressure to earn sufficient money to pay for childcare while maintaining a work/life balance.
“These figures show it is important that we highlight these challenges and continue to explore issues which directly affect our listeners.”
On the other end of the scale, however, the survey found that Longford has the lowest average childcare cost per month with the average being €650.
However, that still showed an eight percent increase from 2013.
