€ 3 Million in Grants for Community Childcare services

Issued : Friday 4 April, 2014
Areas : Waterford

Frances  Fitzgerald  TD,  Minister  for  Children & Youth Affairs has today announced  the launch of capital funding totalling €3 million for community childcare services, parent and toddler groups and childminders. This is the third year that a new scheme of capital funding for early years services has been put in place. This  demonstrates the commitment of the Government to continue developing quality childcare provision in Ireland.

The €2.5 million is being made available for the repair, maintenance and upgrade of community and not-for-profit childcare services many of which are located in disadvantaged areas.

The  €2.5  million  being made available for community childcare facilities will be directed to two specific purposes:

1. Large  scale  maintenance works: Grants of up to €50k, for buildings previously  in  receipt  of large-scale Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme  (EOCP)  or  National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) capital  funding.   This  would  include  works to roofs, windows and doors,  heating  and  sanitary  systems,  building  access or safety, replacement  of  worn  fixtures and fittings and essential repairs to outdoor play areas.  

2. Quality  improvement  and  sustainability:  Grants  of up to 50k for buildings  previously  in receipt of large-scale EOCP or NCIP capital funding for medium  or large scale works to improve Building Energy Rating (BER)  to support sustainability.

Applications  for  these  strands  can  be  made from the afternoon of next Monday, 7th April on the Pobal website.

In  addition  €0.25 million will be allocated  to  support Parent and Toddler Groups; and a further €0.25 million to the Childminding Development Grant Scheme, which is an important part of our  support to the many childminders who look after children. The funding will be allocated through the City and County Childcare Committees.