A crèche owner in Co Carlow is closing her business in protest at increased childcare costs and slammed the Government for its “measly” support payment.

Linda Mellon, owner of Dolmen Nursery and Montessori School, said her business was no longer sustainable after being hit with a 300pc insurance hike.

Ms Mellon revealed she received a payment of just €175 from the Government as part of the €7m emergency payout announced in December.

Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone said childcare providers would receive payments ranging from €1,500 up to €26,000 after a leading insurer exited the market, resulting in premiums rocketing.

“I am sending it back as €175 isn’t going to do much for my insurance premium which rose from €1,000 to €3,700,” she told Independent.ie.

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