Mark Wall
Question:70. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the next round of funding for the building blocks scheme will be announced. [73391/25]
View answerThursday, 18 December 2025
Questions (70)
Written answers
As part of the National Development Plan review the allocation for early learning and childcare capital investment is €197 million over the next five years.
This funding will allow for investment in buildings as part of the new State-led early learning and childcare programme, continued investment in expansion of existing early learning and childcare operators through the Building Blocks scheme and a number of quality initiatives including supports to childminders.
As announced in the context of Budget 2026, €36 million will be available in 2026 for early learning and childcare capital programmes. Part of this allocation will fund existing Building Blocks grantees to undertake their projects in 2026.
2026 will also see the launch of a further iteration of Building Blocks. Officials in the Department are currently examining options and detailed specifications for this scheme, and I expect to announce details in early 2026.