Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
430. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the costs associated with building a new community childcare facility, including associated costs; if any new facilities are being planned; if so, the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5045/24]
View answerSome €69 million has been allocated over the period 2023-2025 to the early learning and childcare sector under the revised National Development Plan (NDP). This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare across three pillars:
• Building Blocks - Improvement Grant;
• Building Blocks - Capacity Grant; and
• Building Blocks - Innovation Grant.
Some €45 million has been set aside under Pillar 2 for early learning and childcare capital projects over 2024 and 2025.
On 7th December last, I announced details of the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant scheme, to be operated over 2024 and 2025 which is aimed at addressing capacity gaps by expanding existing provision through internal renovations and extensions where most needed.
While there is no funding available at present for the construction of new purpose built early learning and childcare facilities in 2024, my Department will keep the issue under review.
