Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
257. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can help a community project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8500/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra€69 million has been allocated over the period 2023-2025 to the Early Learning Childcare and School Age 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.
Some €45 million has been set aside under Pillar 2 for 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.
The Building Blocks Expansion Grant Scheme will open for applications shortly. The scheme will provide grants for the renovation or reconfiguration of existing ELC facilities.
I also hope to announce details of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme in the coming months. The scheme will provide grants for larger scale extensions to existing services.
The aim of these schemes is to tackle the estimated undersupply of full time and part time places, particularly within the 1-3-year-old (pre-ECCE) age cohort.
Both schemes are open to early learning and childcare services that are Tusla registered and are in contract with Core Funding at the time of application.
My Department does not have funding available in 2024 to fund the establishment of new build projects such as that proposed by the Deputy.
