Niall Collins
Ceist:759. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16986/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 3 March 2026
Ceisteanna (759)
Freagraí scríofa
I recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.
The Department is assessing sites and buildings which align with the goals of the programme and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects. In the first instance, we are asking anyone who might have a suitable premises or project to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found here: www.limerickchildcare.ie/.
Information on the objectives, criteria, and processes that will apply to the selection and prioritisation of projects under this programme is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/state-led-early-learning-and-childcare-capital-programme/.
A suite of appraisal tools have been developed, including a forward planning model, in order to select projects that align with programme objectives. No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and the State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.