Written answer
Childcare Services
Building Blocks Extension Phase 2 attracted 24 applications, including two from Mayo, with €10 million available; assessments are ongoing and outcomes will follow shortly.
496. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the building blocks grant extension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66582/26]
Comment on this
The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 will fund projects in 2027 to deliver additional capacity recently closed for applications. The scheme was open to Core Funding Partner Services, both community and private.
The aim is to tackle the estimated undersupply of full-time places, particularly within the 1-3-year-old (pre-ECCE) age-cohort. Places for children in other age brackets were also eligible for funding, once the service can create at least the minimum number of places in the priority age-cohort.
24 applications were received under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2. The overall funding amount available to the scheme is €10 million. Of the 24 applications, two were from Mayo based community services.
Applications under Phase 2 are currently being appraised by the Department with input from the Office of Public Works. Services will be notified of the outcome of this appraisal process in the coming weeks.