Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2025
323. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount of money allocated to the building blocks childcare scheme; the locations and amount allocated to each location over the past two years; the number of childcare places provided by this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64131/25]
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 as outlined in an announcement in May available here:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/press-releases/minister-foley-announces-25-million-in-funding-to-deliver-1500-additional-early-learning-and-childcare-places/.
Following approval, applicants were required to finalise the legal formalities of the scheme. This remains ongoing for some projects and other projects are now commencing. It is expected that the scheme will deliver up to 1,500 full time early learning childcare places across the country coming on stream from 2026.
The Building Blocks Expansion Grant Scheme operated in 2024. Some €1.362 million was allocated across 13 counties, broken down by the below table. This grant funding allowed for a combined capacity increase of 290 full time early learning childcare places.
|
Location |
Amount Allocated (€) |
Capacity Increase |
|
Co. Cork |
25,008 |
6 |
|
Co. Clare |
99,998 |
6 |
|
Co. Donegal |
144,239 |
35 |
|
Co. Dublin |
308,750 |
79 |
|
Co. Kerry |
29,432 |
11 |
|
Co. Louth |
99,915 |
10 |
|
Co. Limerick |
201,018 |
36 |
|
Co. Laois |
84,776 |
13 |
|
Co. Offaly |
98,500 |
22 |
|
Co. Cavan |
82,897 |
28 |
|
Co. Meath |
88,972 |
18 |
|
Co. Galway |
48,816 |
15 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
49,984 |
11 |
|
|
1,362,305 |
290 |
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 Government'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.
