Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
195. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the implementation of the State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme announced in January 2026, and specifically its implementation as it applies to rural areas and particularly Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29116/26]
View answerI recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and the State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.
There will be a particular focus in the new State-led facilities on providing places for 1–3-year-old children, with capacity for these children to continue in the service until they start school, because this is where the need is greatest. The aim of delivering additional supply of this type in suitable locations will include both rural areas and urban areas which are not well served at the moment.
A core objective of the capital programme is to deliver additional supply where required in areas of disadvantage and rural areas where there is evidence of unmet need.
A suite of appraisal tools have been developed, including a forward planning model, in order to select projects that align the with programme objectives. Other programme objectives include ensuring cost effectiveness and timeliness of delivery.
The Department has received project proposals from a number of sources since the programme was launched which, along with projects which the Department was aware of prior to the programme launching, includes 82 potential projects across the country to date. One project proposal has been received from Co Offaly.
These projects are in very different stages of development. Some relate to existing buildings ready to occupy or fit out, while others are longer-term prospects for future years. Not all proposals align with the programme objectives and some may be funded by other means including the next round of Building Blocks. Some projects are proposed by an existing early learning and childcare service provider, while others relate to a building or property only and a separate process to identify an operator would be required.
The Department is continuing to seek potential projects for consideration.
Local City and County Childcare Committees are supporting the development of projects. In the first instance, anyone who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee whose details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees
