Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:487. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the planned building blocks capital programme for childcare facilities. [18002/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 5 March 2026
Ceisteanna (487)
Freagraí scríofa
The revised National Development Plan has allocated €197 million for capital investment in early learning and childcare over the next five years. This funding will be used in part to provide additional early learning and childcare places through future capital programmes, which will primarily focus on implementing the commitment to capital investment in State-owned early learning and childcare facilities, in addition to further investment in supports for the expansion of existing providers.
The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme 2025 is currently in operation.
Following on from the success of this scheme, a further Building Blocks scheme will open for applications in 2026. This round of capital funding will focus on funding extensions to existing premises to allow for increased numbers of children to be offered places on a full-time basis. Community and private providers who are currently Core Funding partner services will be eligible to apply for this scheme.
I expect to announce details of the next Building Blocks scheme in the coming weeks.
Separately, the Department is embarking on programme of capital investment in State-led early learning and childcare which will make investment in buildings to support the expansion of full day places, particularly for young children. This investment will constitute purchase and/or fit out of buildings depending on the specifics of particular projects. Details of this programme were announced by the Department on 21st January.