Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
751. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is concerned that a naíonra (details supplied) in County Waterford is currently accommodated in an old and deteriorating prefabricated building; and if her Department has a plan in place to fund new and appropriate accommodation for this naíonra. [37821/25]
View answerEnsuring access to early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government.
Capital funding has been made available to my Department under the National Development Plan.
In 2025, €25m has been made available to deliver additional capacity under the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. The scheme is focused on supporting the creation of additional full day care places for children aged 1-3 through extensions to existing buildings or, in the case of not-for-profit community services, construction or purchase of buildings.
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. The focus will be on the types of provision and the areas where there are the greatest capacity deficits.
In the case that the Deputy refers to, I understand Waterford County Childcare Committee has been working with the service to provide them with support and identify opportunities to meet their particular circumstances.
