2851. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the building blocks expansion grant scheme provides funding for the expansion of car parking facilities as part of a childcare service expansion project, in addition to the expansion of crèche capacity, and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60152/26]

The Building Blocks Expansion Scheme operated in 2024. This is scheme is closed and all projects funded are now completed.

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme opened in 2025 and projects funded through this scheme are underway.

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2, was open for applications earlier this year, is now closed for applications.

The purpose of these schemes is to create high quality, full time places for children aged between 1 and 3 years old, through the funding of extensions to existing childcare premises.

Expenditure that directly facilitates the creation of additional places in the 1-3 year old age cohort is seen as eligible under this scheme. This may include works undertaken to improve accessibility.

A full list of all eligible and ineligible expenditure can be found in the scheme's communique here - https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/5ce65269/Communique_Building_Blocks_Extension_Scheme_Phase_2.pdf

Applications received under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 are now being appraised by the Department's technical advisors in the OPW, and applicants will be notified of the outcome of this appraisal over the coming weeks.