Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
904. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when it is expected that there will be a funding announcement for applications under the 'Building Blocks' scheme, allowing community childcare facilities to expand their premises and enrol more children into their facilities. [2250/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched on the 4th November 2024 and opened for applications last month. The closing date for applications was Thursday 30th January, following an extension to accommodate some services affected by power outages.
The scheme has four strands:
1. Extensions to existing premises for private services
2. Extensions to existing premises for community services
3. Purchase of new premises for community services
4. Construction of new premises for community services
The primary focus of the Extension Grant Scheme is to increase capacity in the 1–3-year-old, pre-ECCE, age range for full day care. Appraisal of applications for this scheme will consider the supply and demand in the area around the proposed projects and seeks to prioritise funding for areas with the biggest supply/demand mismatch.
Following the closing date of the scheme having passed, eligibility checks are now being undertaken on the applications before proceeding to full appraisal which will be partly undertaken by Pobal and partly by OPW. I expect to announce the outcome of the application process in the coming weeks.
