Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
757. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the capital funding supports currently available to early years providers and crèches seeking to expand their premises in order to accommodate additional childcare places; and whether any funding streams exist to assist with the purchase or provision of temporary accommodation while permanent structures are being planned or constructed. [16961/26]
View answerThe Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is currently operating to support extensions to existing premises and, in the case of community operators, the purchase or construction of new buildings, enabling expansion of provision for full day services for 1–3-year-olds which is where supply deficits have been identified. Successful projects under the scheme are now beginning their works.
A further Building Blocks scheme will open for applications in 2026, with this round focusing on funding extensions to existing premises to allow for increased numbers of children to be offered places on a full day basis. I expect to announce the details of this scheme in the coming weeks.
Separately, the Department is embarking on programme of capital investment in State-led early learning and childcare which will make investment in buildings to support the expansion of full day places, particularly for young children. This investment will constitute purchase and/or fit out of buildings depending on the specifics of particular projects. Details of this programme were announced by the Department on 21st January.
