Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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147. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the building blocks scheme will re-open for applications; and if funding will be available for the construction of new premises under the scheme. [57555/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme was launched in late 2024. The closing date for applications was 30th January. There were four strands to the scheme: Community Construction, Community Extension, Community Purchasing and Private Extension. A total of 78 applications were received with 50 applicants approved to progress to the next stage of the grant process.

As part of the National Development Plan review the allocation for my Department has increased to €795 million over the next five years. This increased funding will be used in part to provide additional early learning and childcare places through future capital programmes, which will primarily focus on implementing the commitment to capital investment in State-owned early learning and childcare facilities. Making available a further round of funding to existing services to extend their services to expand their current provision will also be enabled by the NDP allocation.

The Department is currently considering options for a further Building Blocks scheme and I expect to announce details in early 2026.