Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
498. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department plans to open State-led facilities in the Kildare area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5332/26]
View answerImproving access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government. To support this, earlier this week I announced that €135 million will be made available for State-led services providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare.
A forward planning model seeks to identify the nature and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across the country and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level. An extensive data analysis and cleaning exercise has been undertaken to map publicly subsidised supply. This involves combining data from multiple administrative sources, including child population data, using GIS (Geographical Information System) mapping tools.
The analysis of the forward planning model will provide a key input into the approach to the multi-year capital programme to be resourced through the allocation in the revised National Development Plan 2026-2030. It will be one of a number of factors considered when selecting and prioritising projects.
Other factors will reflect the policy goals of the Department to support a quality, inclusive and accessible early learning and childcare system and to ensure value for money.
Under this investment programme, the State will be stepping in to create high-quality, accessible services where they are most needed. This is a groundbreaking move by Government to support children and families.
The Department is beginning to assess sites and buildings which align with the goals of the programme and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services.
