Concerns have been raised about a lack of childcare spaces in the South East, with some parents unable to return to work as a result. In one South East town, almost one in two parents are unable to go back. The research, conducted by the Tramore Childcare Campaign, found the town is short by over 150 childcare places. Alongside Together for Public and The National Women's Council of Ireland, they're calling for a new public childcare system to be prioritised in the upcoming budget. We urge the government to take action on this in Budget 2027 and begin the rollout of pilot models of public childcare right across the country, especially in childcare deserts like Tramore.”