Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
814. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the funding streams available for a childcare facility for works (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52069/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe capital funding available to my Department has been focused increasing supply of full-time places, in the 1–3-year-old, pre–Early Childhood Care and Education, age cohort where there is the greatest evidence of need.
This year, €25 million has been allocated to deliver additional capacity under the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. Under the scheme, existing community and private providers could apply for funding to physically extend their premises. In addition, existing community providers could apply for funding to purchase or to construct new premises, which included modular buildings. The scheme is now closed and 50 applications were approved to progress to the next stage of the process.
My Department is currently considering the approach to capital expenditure in future years, in the context of the allocation under the National Development Plan.
