Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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202. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the grants that are available to private or community crèches to allow them improve their facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15566/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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On 20th March 2017 I announced that funding will be made available under the Early Years Capital programme for 2017 in three strands, as follows:

- Strand 1: Additional Places (€3 million total available – maximum €50,000 per grant);

- Strand 2: Building improvements and maintenance/refurbishment (€500,000 total available, maximum €20,000 per grant, Community childcare services only);

- Strand 3: Natural outdoor play area (€500,000 total available, maximum €5,000 per grant).

Pobal are responsible for administering the programme on behalf of my Department. Further details and information on how to make an application for funding are available on the Pobal website .

Additionally, at the recent launch of the Action Plan for School Age Childcare I announced a separate €3 million in capital funding for services providing school age childcare. This capital scheme will open in April and will encourage expansion in the number of school age childcare places along with enhancements to quality.