Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
403. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications made for the €25 million building blocks extension scheme; the number of successful applications; the number rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48493/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched in late 2024. The closing date for applications was 30th January 2025. There were four strands to the scheme: Community Construction, Community Extension, Community Purchasing and Private Extension.
A total of 78 applications were received with 50 applicants approved to progress to the next stage of the grant process. Twenty eight applications were not approved to progress, for a variety of reasons. Of the 50 projects that were approved to proceed, seven have since informed the Department that they do not wish to go ahead with their projects.
Following approval, applicants were required to finalise the legal formalities of the scheme and projects are now commencing.
A follow up scheme, the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 is now open for applications. This scheme is a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places. The scheme is being funded under the updated National Development Plan.
The purpose of the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 is to deliver additional capacity in the sector by supporting existing early learning and childcare services to undertake physical extensions to existing premises. The scheme will be open to community and private services that are signed up to the Core Funding Scheme, that commit to continuing in that scheme and adhering to its conditions, particularly in respect of fee management rules.
