John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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647. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total available budget for the building blocks–extension grant scheme-community–construction for early learning and childcare facilities; how many applications were received for this strand of the building blocks capital programme; and the number approved by Pobal as meeting the minimum criteria for consideration of an allocation of a grant. [5874/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In 2025, €25m is being made available to deliver additional capacity under the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. There are four strands under the scheme, Private - Extension, Community - Extension, Community - Purchase and Community - Construction.

The total funding allocation has not been apportioned to each of the strands a priori. The allocation will be determined based on the quality and deliverability of applications.

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme is designed to support the delivery of full day provision for children aged 1-3. It was launched on 4 November 2024 and the closing date for applications was Thursday 30 January, following an extension to accommodate some services affected by power outages following Storm Eowyn.

I am advised that 13 eligible applications were received under the Community – Construction strand. All eligible applications are currently being appraised. I hope to announce the successful applications in the next month.