Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
875. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if Ballyvourney, County Cork will be included in the current plans for building or purchasing childcare premises: if not, the specific actions and timelines her Department will commit to in order to deliver a creche service for families in Ballyvourney; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6022/26]
View answerImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing substantially, enrolments have grown by 25% in the past three years. However there remain challenges for some families in accessing the type of service that they wish to in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
A forward planning model has been developed by officials in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to better understand the nature of supply/demand misalignment and to inform decision making about capital investment.
A new State-led capital programme is set to commence in 2026. The programme will make available €135 million over the coming five years for investment in buildings to enable the delivery of State-led early learning and childcare services.
The Department is now beginning to assess project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found [here].
