My Department's total capital provision as a proportion of total gross allocation is less than 2% in 2021 or €36.1m (including capital carryover of approx €4.1m from 2020). My Department has not to date undertaken significant capital projects as envisaged by the Deputy's question.
Capital allocations in my Department in 2021 are made in four policy areas, namely:
- Tusla capital works (€18.7m)
- Early Years capital programmes and schemes (€11.1m)
- Oberstown Children Detention Campus minor capital works (€3.3m)
- Youth Services and Organisations capital grants (€3m).
These allocations include, in some cases, carryover from the 2020 allocations.
Further details of the Department's capital spend and related approvals are set out below.
Tusla: the largest of my Department's capital allocations in 2021 (€18.7m) include two building projects by Tusla, in Limerick and Portlaoise, which were approved by my predecessor in 2019.
Early Years: In late 2020, I approved €10.5m for an Early Years Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Capital Grant Programme in 2021 to support childcare services to become compliant with Fire Safety Regulations and Standards. My Department also funds two smaller capital grant schemes in 2021 to the value of €0.25m each, namely an Early Years Parent and Toddler Groups Grant Scheme and a Childminder Development Grant Scheme.
Oberstown Children Detention Campus: Oberstown's most recent significant capital project concluded in 2018. There are ongoing requirements for small scale capital expenditure. The €3.3m allocated in 2021 includes funding for building refurbishments and vehicle purchases. Ministerial approval is not specifically required for these capital expenditure items.
Youth Services and Organisations capital grants: In early 2021, I announced the disbursement of capital funding of €3m for minor works and equipment costs in the youth sector. This also includes small capital grants to support local authorities to improve playgrounds.
