453. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason a childcare service in Dundalk, County Louth (details supplied) that is willing to expand its capacity was excluded from the relevant childcare expansion scheme, particularly given the high demand for childcare places in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54398/26]

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 is a €10 million capital funding scheme which will deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places. The scheme is being funded under the updated National Development Plan.

The purpose of the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 is to deliver additional capacity in the sector by supporting existing early learning and childcare services to undertake physical extensions to existing premises. The scheme will be open to community and private services that are signed up to the Core Funding Scheme, that commit to continuing in that scheme and adhering to its conditions, particularly in respect of fee management rules.

Services who are in receipt of funding under Building Blocks Expansion Grant Scheme or Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme are not eligible to apply for the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 due to the limitations on the funding available to the Department and the need to ensure that limited resources are distributed across a wide range of projects.

Further eligibility criteria for the scheme can be found on [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/building-blocks-extension-scheme-phase-2/]

However, subject to sufficient funding, additional rounds of Building Blocks will be considered in the coming years, and eligibility criteria for any future rounds will be the subject of further consideration.