Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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1942. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for capital funding by a childcare facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28245/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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On 20th March 2017 I announced 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).

The closing date for receipt of applications under this programme was Thursday 27th April and I can confirm that an application was received from the service referred to by the Deputy under strand 2 of this programme. Applications received under this programme are currently being evaluated by Pobal. It is anticipated that Pobal will be issuing recommendations on funding under this programme to my Department over the coming weeks.