Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2025
369. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason the building block extension grant application for a school (details supplied) was not successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33403/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched last year and closed for applications in January. There were four strands to the scheme: Community Construction, Community Extension, Community Purchasing and Private Extension.
A total of 78 applications were received. The applications came from a variety of locations across the country. All applications received were appraised carefully against the objectives and criteria of the programme in a fair and impartial process. I have now approved 49 of these applications to progress to the next stage of the grant process.
The early learning and childcare service that the Deputy refers to was unsuccessful in progressing to the next stage of the grant process as the scores received in the appraisal were below the required standard for progression.
The minimum score required to progress to the next stage was 760 out of 1500. This service's overall score was 740. Officials from my Department have provided the service with feedback on their application. I hope this is of value to the service in considering any future plans for their development.
My Department is currently considering the design of future capital investment programmes that may be operated, any allocation for which will be determined by the revised National Development Plan which is currently being considered. As and when details of any future schemes are determined, I will of course communicate with the sector.
