Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2021
294. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding streams that are available for a programme (details supplied) to be able to buy a bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58043/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital investment in early learning and childcare will be delivered through the National Development Plan (NDP) during 2021-2030. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare during the lifetime of the NDP. Investment under the NDP will consist of three pillars:
(1) Modernisation grants will be available for upgrading and modernisation necessary to comply with new regulations and more recent guidelines;
(2) New Capacity grants will be larger-scale grants to increase the stock of early learning and childcare infrastructure; and
(3) grants will also be available to support capital requirements for First 5 trial initiatives such as Family and Early Childcare Centres and outdoor childcare provision.
Currently there is no available capital funding for transport purchases such as buses. However, information on the Department’s NDP capital allocation and the application process will be communicated to the sector in the near future. The Department advises the service to contact their local CCCs, who will provide information on future capital supports when it becomes available, should the service wish to avail of capital funding under the 3 pillars outlined.
