Boost for Carlow parents as over 600 families receive newborn baby grant in its first year

More than 600 families in Carlow received the Government’s Newborn Baby Grant during its first year in operation, new figures have confirmed.

Data released by the Department of Social Protection shows that 635 families in Carlow benefited from the once-off €280 payment in 2025, covering 646 newborn and newly adopted children across the county.

The figures were published to mark the first anniversary of the Newborn Baby Grant, which was introduced as part of Budget 2025 to help families meet the material costs associated with the arrival of a new baby or adopted child.

The grant is paid automatically alongside the first month of Child Benefit, meaning parents do not need to make a separate application.

Nationally, the payment has now been issued in respect of 49,841 children, at a total cost of approximately €14 million.

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Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said the scheme has already made a real difference for families across the country.

“This week we celebrate the first anniversary of the Newborn Baby Grants, introduced as part of Budget 2025 and now supporting families across the country,” he said.

“In just one year, these grants have reached tens of thousands of parents all over Ireland, helping families mark the arrival of their newest members.

“At a joyful but costly time, these payments are making a real difference by giving parents a little extra support as they welcome their new babies.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere said the figures highlight the importance of the support at local level.

He confirmed that 1,493 Newborn Baby Grants were issued to 1,460 families across Carlow and Kilkenny in 2025.

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“The birth of a new child is a time of great joy, but it can also place financial pressure on families,” Deputy Cleere said.

“Supports like this are essential in easing that pressure and allowing parents to enjoy what truly matters, spending time with their newest family member.

“In the first year of this scheme, thousands of families have benefited nationally, with thousands of families in Carlow and Kilkenny receiving support.”

He added: “Measures like the Newborn Baby Grant make a tremendous difference to families. It is a priority for Fianna Fáil to continually support parents through schemes like this so they can spend time with their loved ones and focus on the moments that matter.”

Under the scheme, families receive the standard €140 Child Benefit payment alongside the €280 Newborn Baby Grant, with higher amounts applying in the case of twins or multiple births.