Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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492. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to report the number of facilities in Dublin that received Building Blocks capital funding. [31680/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched on 4th November 2024. The closing date for applications was 30th January.

A total of 78 applications were received. These applications came from a variety of locations across the country. All applications received were appraised carefully against the objectives and criteria of the programme in a fair and impartial process.

Of these 78 applications, six were from services based in Dublin. Of these six, three were shortlisted for progression to the next stage of the grant process - two Private Extension projects and one Community Construction project. The total project value of these applications is €2.1m. The projects shortlisted for progression will create an additional 70 full time places for 1-3 year olds in Dublin once complete.

The Building Blocks Expansion Grant Scheme, which operated in 2024, provided funding for projects valued at between €50,000 and €100,000 for the internal renovation or reconfiguration of existing services to deliver additional capacity. Twenty two services were awarded funding under the scheme. Of these 22 services, six were based in Dublin.

The Building Blocks Improvement Grant Scheme operated in 2023. Over €9m was set aside for grants under this scheme, with 151 services originally being awarded funding. Grants awarded range from €35,000 to €75,000 across two separate strands: Green Energy and Retrofit. The Green Energy Strand supports the Climate Action Agenda and the Programme for Government, which aimed to transition to a carbon neutral economy by the end of 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. Under this Strand, grants were provided to help services to increase their energy efficiency by utilising renewables, where feasible, through the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and insulation. The Retrofit Strand supported existing services in need of upgrading. Eligible works included kitchen refurbishment, upgrading of sanitary facilities for children and adults, roof repairs, and the replacement and upgrading of flooring. 21 Dublin based services were granted funding under this scheme.

My Department is currently considering the possibilities for future capital programmes, including potentially operating another initiative next year to support the expansion of provision by existing providers. As soon as those details are finalised, I will communicate to the sector.

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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493. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to report how funding from the Building Blocks capital scheme was allocated between the scheme’s four strands. [31681/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched on 4th November 2024. The closing date for applications was 30th January.

A total of 78 applications were received. These applications came from a variety of locations across the country. All applications received were appraised carefully against the objectives and criteria of the programme in a fair and impartial process.

There were four strands to the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme - Community Purchase, Community Extension, Community Construction and Private Extension.

The table below outlines the number of applications shortlisted for progression to the next stage of the grant process, alongside the total grant value for each strand: