Give New Ross Families a Choice: Explore Public Childcare Provision
The Issue
New Ross is growing. Our population is growing, new homes are being built and more families are choosing to live and work in our town.
But our community infrastructure needs to grow with it.
We are calling on Wexford County Council to explore the feasibility of publicly provided early learning and childcare in New Ross.
Why this matters
For many families, finding suitable childcare is not simply about finding a place.
It is about finding a place that is:
Affordable
Available when parents are working
Accessible from home or work
Suitable for younger children
Full-day where required
Sustainable for the future
Existing childcare providers in New Ross and the surrounding area provide an essential service and deserve recognition for the work they do.
But we should not assume that the existing model alone can meet the future needs of a growing town.
The Government has already recognised the need for State-led investment in childcare, particularly where there are gaps in existing provision and a need for additional places for younger children.
New Ross should be part of that conversation.
What we are asking for
We are asking Wexford County Council to:
📍 Carry out a proper assessment of childcare need in New Ross.
📍 Establish how many additional places are likely to be required as the town grows.
📍 Examine the availability of full-day places, particularly for children aged 1–3.
📍 Consult with parents, childcare workers, existing providers, employers and community organisations.
📍 Explore the feasibility of a publicly owned or State-led childcare facility in New Ross.
📍 Identify suitable public buildings or land that could potentially accommodate such a facility.
📍 Engage with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality regarding available State funding and the State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme.
This isn't about replacing existing providers
This campaign is not an attack on New Ross childcare providers.
Existing providers are an important part of our community and should continue to be supported.
The question is whether we should also explore what public provision could add where existing capacity cannot meet current or future demand.
If New Ross is expected to grow, then childcare must be planned alongside housing, schools, transport and other essential infrastructure.
Childcare is not a luxury.
Childcare is infrastructure.
It supports parents to work, study and participate in community life. It supports local businesses and employment. It helps make New Ross a place where families can build their futures.
We are asking Wexford County Council to listen to local families, properly assess the need and explore whether public childcare provision could form part of the future of New Ross.
Please sign and share this petition.
Let's make sure the voices of New Ross families are heard.
New Ross is growing. Our childcare infrastructure needs to grow with it.
22
The Issue
New Ross is growing. Our population is growing, new homes are being built and more families are choosing to live and work in our town.
But our community infrastructure needs to grow with it.
We are calling on Wexford County Council to explore the feasibility of publicly provided early learning and childcare in New Ross.
Why this matters
For many families, finding suitable childcare is not simply about finding a place.
It is about finding a place that is:
Affordable
Available when parents are working
Accessible from home or work
Suitable for younger children
Full-day where required
Sustainable for the future
Existing childcare providers in New Ross and the surrounding area provide an essential service and deserve recognition for the work they do.
But we should not assume that the existing model alone can meet the future needs of a growing town.
The Government has already recognised the need for State-led investment in childcare, particularly where there are gaps in existing provision and a need for additional places for younger children.
New Ross should be part of that conversation.
What we are asking for
We are asking Wexford County Council to:
📍 Carry out a proper assessment of childcare need in New Ross.
📍 Establish how many additional places are likely to be required as the town grows.
📍 Examine the availability of full-day places, particularly for children aged 1–3.
📍 Consult with parents, childcare workers, existing providers, employers and community organisations.
📍 Explore the feasibility of a publicly owned or State-led childcare facility in New Ross.
📍 Identify suitable public buildings or land that could potentially accommodate such a facility.
📍 Engage with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality regarding available State funding and the State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme.
This isn't about replacing existing providers
This campaign is not an attack on New Ross childcare providers.
Existing providers are an important part of our community and should continue to be supported.
The question is whether we should also explore what public provision could add where existing capacity cannot meet current or future demand.
If New Ross is expected to grow, then childcare must be planned alongside housing, schools, transport and other essential infrastructure.
Childcare is not a luxury.
Childcare is infrastructure.
It supports parents to work, study and participate in community life. It supports local businesses and employment. It helps make New Ross a place where families can build their futures.
We are asking Wexford County Council to listen to local families, properly assess the need and explore whether public childcare provision could form part of the future of New Ross.
Please sign and share this petition.
Let's make sure the voices of New Ross families are heard.
New Ross is growing. Our childcare infrastructure needs to grow with it.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 2 October 2026