Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As I said, the service is an unusual situation as it does not own the building. The modernisation grant would be fine but, at the same time, it is sort of like when one is renting a house - one is putting work into something one will never own. I am interested in the second pillar, however, comprising €45 million in funding. That might be relevant to the provider. Will that funding be available from 2023? How does a provider go about accessing it? It is often the case when people come to a Deputy regarding a wish to expand or open a facility that one does not know where to start or to whom the person should speak. The service in question is already operating under the community model and does incredible work. It has expanded onto the grounds of the local GAA club - in fairness to James Stephens GAA Club, it has give the provider the use of its facilities - because it had around 100 kids waiting for a place in afterschool care. It was able to facilitate a significant number of those kids because of the expansion. It collects the children from school. It is a unique and valuable service and it is really valuable. The crux of my question is whether there is a way for it to apply for funding to get a vacant building?

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