Niall Collins
Question:1210. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13820/19]
View answerTuesday, 26 March 2019
Questions (1210)
Written answers
Assisting childcare providers in extending their existing childcare services, or establishing new childcare services, have always been key areas of focus for my Department's capital programmes.
Each year the Department reviews the capital programmes as a whole and determines the priorities for Early Learning and Care and School Age Capital grants.
The capital strands have been made available to achieve the strategic priorities for 2019 as determined by the Department, having regard to the funding available, developed using analysis of the current state of the childcare sector, learnings from previous capital programmes and feedback and input from stakeholders, including childcare providers and Pobal.
As the service has already identified, they are eligible to apply for Strand C - which is funding for the creation of new school age childcare places. I would advise that the service contacts Pobal by phoning (01) 5117222 or Limerick CCC by phoning (061) 556000, with any questions they may have about eligibility for this year's School Age Capital programmes.
I remain committed to assisting all childcare providers, both community and private, in providing world-class childcare and meeting demand for childcare places, and I anticipate that this year's Capital programme will build on last year's good work in the sector, as well as that of previous years.
While I am unaware of specific funding available outside of my Department, I believe Limerick County Council do some specific initiatives which may be open to the provider. Further details are available here: https://www.limerick.ie/council/growing-limerick/projects-initiatives.