Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
103. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has plans to expand the childcare capital grant for the development of new childcare facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32305/25]
View answerEnsuring access to early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government. Capital funding is one way that Government supports capacity expansion.
The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched on 4th November 2024. The closing date for applications was 30th January and a total of 78 applications were received from across the country. 49 of these applicants have been successful in progression to the next stage of the process.
€25m in voted expenditure is available for the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme in 2025. The approach to capital investment in future years is being considered within the context of the Programme for Government commitments and the revision to the National Development Plan which is ongoing.
Consideration in this regard is being given to the the possibility for future capital programmes, including potentially operating a further to support the expansion of provision.
There have been a range of engagements at official and political level to inform the update National Development Plan between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. My officials and I are continuing to engage with colleagues across Government on the review, the outcome of which will determine the timing and scale of future capital investment initiatives.
