Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2017
446. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an extension to the period within which an early years capital grant of €50,000 must be spent by a community project (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved in view of the fact that the building project is at roof level. [50878/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSimilar to many government capital grant schemes, capital funding is made available to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on an annual basis for use within that year.
In 2017, €8.4 million Early Years Capital funding was granted to service providers in a very competitive process to create new childcare places as well as increasing the quality of existing childcare facilities.
In particular for the largest grants under Early Years Capital 2017, those grants falling under Strand 1 of up to €50,000, some services experience pressure in relation to the time needed to complete their projects. In these circumstances, services are encouraged to contact Pobal directly to consider what options are available to them. Nonetheless, in accordance with the public spending rules applicable to the capital schemes, funding granted in 2017 must be spent in 2017 and therefore extensions beyond 31 December 2017 cannot be considered.
In relation to the childcare service provider you mention, I have asked Pobal to contact them directly and liaise further on this matter.
