Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
174. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on the application by Glanmire, County Cork to the recently announced public childcare fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29091/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
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.
There will be a particular focus in the new State-led facilities on providing places for 1–3-year-old children, with capacity for these children to continue in the service until they start school, because this is where the need is greatest. The aim of delivering additional supply of this type in suitable locations will include both rural areas and urban areas which are not well served at the moment.
A suite of appraisal tools have been developed, including a forward planning model, in order to select projects that align with programme objectives. Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects. In the first instance, anyone who might have a suitable premises or project is requested to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee.
Cork City CCC has submitted a preliminary appraisal form relating to a project located in Glanmire which, along with other preliminary appraisal forms currently received, is under consideration at the moment.
No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects, but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
