Minister Canney welcomes new €10 million childcare expansion scheme
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of a new €10 million capital scheme to support the expansion of early learning and childcare services.
The Building Blocks Extension Scheme – Phase 2 will support community and private providers to extend existing facilities and create additional full-time places for children aged one to three, building on Phase 1 which is delivering up to 1,500 additional places.
Community providers can apply for grants of between €100,000 and €530,000, while private providers can access funding of between €50,000 and €265,000.
Welcoming the scheme, Minister Canney said: “This is about increasing capacity where it’s needed and giving families more options when it comes to childcare.
“I’d encourage providers who are in a position to expand to take a look at this scheme and consider applying.”
The Building Blocks Extension Scheme is part of the wider Building Blocks Capital Programme for Early Learning and Childcare under the revised National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP).
Applications are open until 31 July 2026. Further information and application details are on the Department’s website: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/