Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
404. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Children the total amount of projects that have drawn down funding from the €25 million building blocks extension scheme; the total amount of funding that has been drawn down, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48494/26]
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. Following approval, applicants were required to finalise the legal formalities of the scheme and projects are now commencing. Seven services have since informed the Department that they do not wish to go ahead with their projects.
Twelve services have completed the legal formalities associated with the scheme. Of the twelve services that have completed these formalities, six have been reimbursed for expenditure incurred as outlined below, as of 22nd June 2026.
|
Total amount of services that have drawn down |
Total amount of funding drawn down to date |
|
6 |
€1,573,458.56 |
Twenty eight services have had a legal pack issued to their solicitor and are anticipated to be close to completing their legal formalities. Three services have not yet had a legal pack issued due to complications with their projects. Engagement is ongoing with these services to seek to resolve the outstanding issues.
Drawdowns are anticipated to increase over the coming weeks.
