Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019
856. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if expenditure estimates for capital projects under Project Ireland 2040 under the remit of her Department and agencies match projected cost requirements in tabular from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30959/19]
View answerProject Ireland 2040 is the Government’s long-term overarching capital investment strategy and is underpinned by a shared set of ten goals or National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) for every community across the country. My Department’s funding under the National Development Plan (NDP) is captured under NSO 10 – Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services.
The National Development Plan 2018 - 2027 (NDP) published in February 2018 set out the multi annual capital allocations for all Departments out to 2027 and under the NDP my Department has secured a capital allocation of €156 million for the period 2018 – 2022.
I have also secured a commitment in the NDP of a further €250 million over the period 2023 – 2027 for investment in additional childcare provision. At this point I expect that up to 60% of this will be required in the period 2023 - 2024 to address immediate capacity issues in available childcare places through targeted capital investment. The remaining €100 million will be used between 2025 and 2027 to address further capacity demands and any emerging concerns.
In addition to childcare capital investment, capital investment has also been allocated to support continued investment in Tusla in order to address estates infrastructure deficits and improve ICT systems; to Oberstown Children Detention Campus for ongoing investment and maintenance of the campus; and to Youth Services for play & recreation grants, the upgrade and replacement of equipment and to support the provision of quality services to young people.
I am satisfied at this point in time that the projected capital allocations under the NDP to 2027 will meet projected cost requirements.
