Written answer
Childcare Services
The Listowel convent proposal remains under assessment, with decisions pending as the Department prioritises purpose-built facilities before projects requiring extensive works.
1084. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a progress report on the provision of childcare facilities at the former convent in Listowel, County Kerry, and timeframe for final decisions on applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65770/26]
Comment on this
€135 million is being made available in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process began earlier this year with detailed assessment of potential projects, 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.
The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 with the funding provided through the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.
The Department has received project proposals from a number of sources since the programme was launched.
These projects are in very different stages of development. Some relate to existing buildings ready to occupy or fit out, while others are longer-term prospects for future years. Not all proposals align with the programme objectives. Some projects are proposed by an existing early learning and childcare service provider, while others relate to a building/property only and a separate process to identify an operator would be required.
The Department is currently assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme.
For the deputy’s information, assessment of projects commenced at the beginning of the year, with a number at an advanced stage of appraisal. The projects being considered as part of the initial phase of this programme are those that are primarily purpose built childcare facilities, requiring limited building works and / or fit out.
Projects that will require more extensive building works will be considered in further phases on the scheme which will continue on an ongoing basis up to 2030.