Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
987. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to consider the purchase of a building in Kilcock, County Kildare (details supplied) under the new €135 million programme of State-led early learning and childcare services; if she will provide a schedule of sites that she has already purchased and/or leased under the scheme to date and if she will indicate whether lease or purchase option has been utilised. [34817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new State-led capital programme is set to commence in 2026 to help improve levels of supply. The programme will make available €135 million over the coming five years for investment in buildings to enable the delivery of State-led early learning and childcare services.
The Department is assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme. Up to eight capital projects will be selected under the programme in 2026. No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects, but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
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 are supporting the development of projects in the State-led early learning and childcare programme so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found [here] and submit the details of the project for consideration.
