Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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507. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding available to community childcare organisations that need to extend their facilities (details supplied). [8258/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy for the query regarding capital funding made available by my Department for the expansion of childcare facilities.

I can inform you that two strands of funding exist for the expansion of childcare facilities under my Department's capital programmes for 2018. Early years and school age childcare services may apply for funding to create new childcare places under Strand 1 and Strand 4 of the 2018 Capital programmes respectively.

Early Years Strand 1 provides for a maximum of €50,000 in grant funding, while School Age Strand 2 provides for a maximum of €20,000. Services may apply for either or both strands, provided that they meet the basic eligibility requirements — including minimum additional new places created under the respective programmes — for each. 

Services may apply for funding for capital projects for which costs exceed the maximum grant allowable. As stated in the applicant guidelines published on 1 February 2018, applicants must provide evidence of having the additional funds to pay for the total cost of the project where the cost is greater than the amount of grant applied for under this strand. For example, bank statements verifying the additional funds or a letter of offer of funding or contract from another funder or loan agreement. In doing so, applicants demonstrate the overall viability of the project concerned.

I can assure you also that the representation made on behalf the childcare organisation in question is being dealt with by officials in my Department at present, and a written response will be issued as soon as is possible.