Alan Dillon
Question:106. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the building blocks improvement grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9027/24]
View answerThursday, 29 February 2024
Questions (106)
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Some €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 across three pillars:
• Building Blocks - Improvement Grant;
• Building Blocks - Capacity Grant; and
• Building Blocks - Innovation Grant
€9 million was set aside in 2023 under the Building Blocks - Improvement Grant Scheme. Grants ranged from €35,000 to €75,000 across two separate strands, Green Energy upgrades and Retrofit projects.
Under the Green Energy Strand, grants were provided for improvements to increase energy efficiency, utilising renewables where feasible, such as the installation of solar panels and heat pumps, insulation and water conservation measures. The Green Energy Strand supported the Climate Action Agenda and the Programme for Government, which aim to transition to a carbon neutral economy by the end of 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030.
The Retrofit Strand supported existing services in need of upgrading. Eligible works included kitchen works and refurbishment, upgrading of sanitary facilities for children and adults, roof repairs and replacement and upgrading of flooring.
In total, 151 services were awarded funding under this scheme, which is now closed.
Last week, I was pleased to announced an €18 million capital grant scheme for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector. The Building Blocks Capacity Expansion Grant Scheme is part of the wider Building Blocks Capacity Grant Scheme for Early Learning and Childcare under the revised National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP). The Scheme will provide grants for Early Learning and Childcare services to expand their capacity by means of internal renovations and reconfigurations. The primary focus of the Expansion Grant Scheme is to increase capacity in the 1-3 year old (pre ECCE) age range for full day or part-time care.