Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
897. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of services in County Louth shortlisted under the building blocks extension grant scheme; the estimated number of new childcare places expected to be delivered locally under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62870/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched in late 2024. The closing date for applications was 30th January 2025. There were four strands to the scheme: Community Construction, Community Extension, Community Purchasing and Private Extension. A total of 78 applications were received with 50 applicants approved to progress to the next stage of the grant process. Following approval, applicants were required to finalise the legal formalities of the scheme and projects are now commencing.
Of the 78 applications received, two were from Co. Louth, of which one was successful in progression to the next stage of the grant process. One was not shortlisted for progression as the number of full-time places for 1–3-year-olds proposed to be delivered through this project is significantly lower than that required for the grant value sought.
The application which was successful in being approved to progress was a private extension project which will deliver 54 new full day places for children aged under 3 in Ballapousta, Co. Louth.
As part of the NDP review, the allocation for this Department has increased to €795 million over the next five years. This increased funding will be used in part to provide additional early learning and childcare places through future capital programmes, including operating a further scheme similar to Building Blocks to support the expansion of provision by existing operators, as well as implementing this Department's commitment to capital investment in State-led early learning and childcare facilities.
Officials in the Department are currently examining options and detailed specifications for future Building Blocks schemes, and I expect to announce details in early 2026.
