Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
592. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider introducing a grants scheme in order that community facilities can apply for the grant aid to upgrade their community facilities. [16442/24]
View answerSubstantial investment 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.
Significant funding has been set aside 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. Funding will be split into two strands.
Under the Building Blocks Expansion Grant Scheme, applications for which have recently closed, my Department will provide grants for the renovation or reconfiguration of existing Early Learning and Care facilities to deliver additional capacity. Community early learning and childcare services were eligible to apply for funding under this scheme. Community services were permitted to apply for full funding of renovation projects, whereas private services were required to demonstrate a 50% contribution to the project.
I hope to announce details of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme in the coming months. This strand will provide grants for larger scale extension projects to increase capacity and will also be open to community early learning and childcare services. The network of City and County Childcare Committees will provide supports for services that are considering applying for funding under the scheme.
