Minister Foley Announces €25 million in Funding to deliver 1,500 additional ELC Places

– Key Highlights

• Announcement:

  • Minister Norma Foley announced €25 million in funding to create 1,500 additional early learning and childcare places.

  • The initiative aims to support both private and community childcare providers through extensions or new premises.

• Grant Details:

  • Up to €500,000 for large-scale extensions for community and private services.

  • Up to €750,000 for purchasing or constructing new premises for community services.

  • A total of 49 community and privately operated services have been shortlisted for funding.

• Funding Categories:

  1. Extensions to existing private premises.

  2. Extensions to existing community premises.

  3. Purchasing new premises (community only).

  4. Constructing new premises (community only).

• Funding Requirements:

  • Services must deliver net increases in full-time places for 1-3-year-olds.

  • Must follow Universal Design Guidelines to ensure accessibility.

  • Commitment to remain a Core Funding Partner Service for up to 17 years.

• Additional Information:

  • Grants range from €50,000 to €750,000, depending on the project type.

  • Community services must own the land for new construction projects.

  • Projects will start within a few months, with additional places available by year-end.

• Quotes from Minister Foley:

  • The scheme aims to provide quality, affordable places where they are needed most.

  • The government is committed to supporting parents, educators, and providers while ensuring positive experiences for children.

• Future Plans:

  • Minister Foley is considering additional capital programmes to support the expansion of childcare services next year.

You can read Minister Foley’s Full Press Release and a list of all Early Learning Centre’s that have been successful in their  Applications for Building Blocks Funding HERE