Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
201. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department is aware of a potential available community space at a location (details supplied) for after school childcare; whether her Department has investigated its potential use as a space to help with the lack of after school services in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35761/26]
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. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year.
This is particularly the case with school-age childcare services. Estimated enrolments in school-age childcare, based on Sector Profile data, have grown by 77% over the last three years.
Earlier this year, I 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 buildings, depending on requirements.
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.
The Department is now assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme. Up to eight capital projects will be selected under the programme in 2026. No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects, but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects. In the first instance, we are asking anyone who might have a suitable premises or project to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee and complete a preliminary appraisal form for projects they would like to be considered.
Separate to the State-led early learning and childcare capital programme, where a provider wishes to set up a new early learning and childcare service, the City/County Childcare Committees are available to provide support.
