1088. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will examine opening a childcare facility in a vacant school in north Kerry (details supplied). [65892/26]

Improving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.

Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year. However, it appears that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.

City and county childcare committees are available to support individuals or groups who are considering establishing a new early learning and childcare service.

The Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding, which is in its fifth programme year, funds services based on the number of places available.

This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service.

In addition to substantial and increased levels of current funding to support the development of the sector and delivery of new places, Government is also enabling capacity expansion through capital funding.

Earlier this year I announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare up to 2030. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the buildings, depending on requirements.

The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government. The Department is assessing sites and buildings and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services.

The Department has received project proposals from a number of sources since the programme was launched, which are now undergoing detailed assessment.

Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects 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, whose details can be found here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/].