964. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 2493 of 14 April 2026, if she will outline when local county childcare committees will receive funding for applications submitted under the early learning and childcare capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34472/26]

967. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on progress in relation to the State's acquisition of childcare facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34475/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 964 and 967 together.

I recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this Government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.

Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and the State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.

The initial approach is on purchasing and refurbishment of buildings given that this is a faster route to delivery in the short term. However, the option of building new facilities will also be considered over subsequent years.

The Department is now assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme. No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed later this year.

Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects in the State-led early learning and childcare programme, so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project, should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee. Contact details for City/County Childcare Committees can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/