Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
530. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the payment of a building blocks improvement scheme 2023 grant for a creche (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13640/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Blocks Improvement Grant Scheme operated in 2023. Over €9m was made available for grants under this scheme, with 151 services being awarded funding.
Grants awarded ranged from €35,000 to €75,000 across two separate strands: Green Energy and Retrofit. The Green Energy Strand supported the Climate Action Agenda and the Programme for Government, which aimed to transition to a carbon neutral economy by the end of 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030.
Under this Strand, grants were provided to help services to increase their energy efficiency by utilising renewables, where feasible, through the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and insulation. The Retrofit Strand supported existing services in need of upgrading. Eligible works included kitchen refurbishment, upgrading of sanitary facilities for children and adults, roof repairs, and the replacement and upgrading of flooring.
I am advised that the service referenced was in receipt of funding of €63,934 under the Building Blocks Improvement Scheme in 2023, under the Green Energy strand. This strand provided funding for services to install a heat pump, solar panels insulation and upgrade their electrics.
The service was initially approved for a grant of up to €67,702, however a pre-payment condition was attached to this application as their insurance costs were included in the quotation, which were ineligible under the scheme. The total funding received by the service excluded these ineligible costs.
