Ireland’s Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has announced a new €10 million capital funding scheme aimed at significantly increasing the number of early learning and childcare places across the country. The initiative, known as the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2, will provide grants to both community and private childcare providers that are part of the Core Funding programme, enabling them to expand their existing facilities and create additional capacity for children aged one to three years.
Community providers will be eligible for capital grants ranging from €100,000 to €530,000, while private providers can apply for grants between €50,000 and €265,000, with match funding required for private applicants. All funded projects must deliver a net increase in full-time childcare places, operate for a minimum of 46 weeks per year, and comply with Universal Design Guidelines to ensure inclusive access.
Minister Foley highlighted that the scheme builds on the success of Phase 1, which is expected to deliver up to 1,500 additional childcare places, and forms part of Ireland’s wider capital investment strategy under the National Development Plan 2021–2030. The programme also complements existing State investments in the Core Funding scheme and the National Childcare Scheme, which have recently seen increased funding to improve affordability and access.
Applications for the scheme close on 31 July 2026, with successful projects expected to begin from January 2027 and be completed by the end of 2027, further strengthening Ireland’s childcare infrastructure and supporting families with young children.
