Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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559. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there has been engagement with her Department on building a childcare facility in a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27661/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to an early learning and childcare facility built as part of a new housing development in the area.

Under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme, which is operating this year, community-led services could apply for funding to purchase early learning and childcare facilities. No applications were received by my Department in respect of the facility in question.

I was delighted to announce on Monday 19th May the 49 applications which will be progressing to the next stage of the process under the scheme. These 49 applications come from a mix of Community Extension (24), Private Extension (7), Community Purchasing (4) and Community Construction (14) projects, which, when completed, will deliver almost 1,500 additional full time childcare places for 1-3 year olds across the country. I look forward to seeing how these projects progress over the coming months.

In relation to facilities built as part of new housing developments, the 2001 Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities on Early Learning and Childcare Settings were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. One element of the Guidelines is that new communities and larger new housing developments should include an early learning and childcare facility. This requirement has led to the delivery of capacity in new housing developments.

My Department is aware that there are instances where the building provided has not been put to use for its intended purpose, and in some instances remains vacant. There are many potential reasons for this. The price for the building sought by the developer may be too high for operators. Facilities tend to also require capital investment to fit out the building for use as a service. There may be instances where the design of the building is not conducive to its optimal use as an early learning and childcare service. There may be cases where the developer seeks permission for a change of use.

While the 2001 Planning Guidelines have certainly contributed to the coming on stream of a considerable number of early learning and childcare facilities, I recognise that the Guidelines require updating to ensure that they are fit for purpose and can deliver the type of infrastructure required in future years. My Department is currently engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine and review the 2001 Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities on Early Learning and Childcare Settings with a view to updating them.