New €10 million Capital Scheme for Early Learning and Childcare Services Announced
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has announced the opening of a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places.
The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 will provide grants for community and private early learning and childcare services who are Core Funding partner services to increase their capacity by means of extensions to their existing premises.
Community providers can apply for a capital grant of between €100,000 and €530,000 to extend their existing premises. Private providers can apply for a capital grant of between €50,000 and €265,000 to extend their existing premises.
All projects will be required to deliver net increases in full-time places for one to three-year-olds. Projects will also be required to incorporate Universal Design Guidelines.
There are two strands to the Scheme, as follows:
Community strand:
- Community providers can apply for a capital grant of between €100,000 (minimum) and €530,000 (maximum) to extend their existing premises.
- Match funding is not a requirement.
- Project values between €100,000 and €680,000 will be eligible.
- Any additional project costs between €530,000 and €680,000 must be funded by the provider.
Private strand:
- Private providers can apply for a capital grant of between €50,000 (minimum) and €265,000 (maximum) to extend their existing premises.
- Match funding will be required.
- Project values between €100,000 and €680,000 will be eligible.
- Any additional project costs between €530,000 and €680,000 must be funded by the provider.
The closing date for applications is 31 July 2026. This will ensure that all applicants have sufficient time to engage with their design teams and their solicitors prior to the closing date. The outcome of the appraisal process will be communicated to services in September 2026.