Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has announced a €135 million investment in State-led early learning and childcare services, aiming to provide high-quality, accessible care for children across Ireland. The programme will begin in 2026 with the acquisition and refurbishment of suitable buildings, in collaboration with not-for-profit providers who will design and operate the services. Up to eight buildings will be funded in the first year, each providing over 100 places, with the initiative expected to deliver thousands of childcare places by 2030 through capital funding provided under the National Development Plan.
The programme prioritises speed of delivery by focusing initially on purchasing and adapting existing buildings, although constructing new facilities will also be considered as the initiative progresses. The new services will particularly focus on 1–3-year-old children, where demand is highest, and will be strategically located to address gaps in both rural and urban areas. Additional supply will also target disadvantaged communities and areas with low levels of community-based childcare, ensuring a fairer distribution of services nationwide.
Minister Foley highlighted that the initiative complements existing private and community childcare providers, strengthening local neighbourhoods and supporting families. The Department is assessing sites in partnership with local authorities and state agencies, including ongoing discussions with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for a facility at Shanganagh Castle Estate. The programme will also support wider strategic goals, such as enhancing the Forward Planning and Delivery Unit within the Department to forecast demand, coordinate public supply, and ensure cost-effective, timely delivery of childcare services.
Beyond expanding capacity, the programme is designed to ensure all facilities are inclusive and of high quality, with planning aligned to accessibility, integration with other services, and broader land-use and spatial planning goals. Additional measures to increase supply include the continuation of the Building Blocks scheme in 2026, funding extensions to existing early learning and childcare services. The programme represents a significant government effort to deliver sustainable, state-led childcare solutions for children and families, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged areas.
