MINISTER for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly, has announced the launch of capital funding totalling
?¬7 million for Early Years services.
A total of
?¬5 million is being made available for grants specifically for community/not for profit childcare services.
This funding will provide grant aid, in the region of
?¬500,000, for significant upgrades of community and not-for-profit childcare services, such as major refurbishment or relocation to new premises.
Also under this strand of funding, grants of up to
?¬50,000 will be available for essential maintenance, or works undertaken to improve the energy performance of childcare facilities.
The remaining
?¬2 million in capital funding is being made available for both private and community childcare facilities to access grants of up to
?¬500 for quality improvement measures, specifically in the area of upgrading IT facilities.
Minister Reilly said he was happy to be a position to announce the new funding scheme.
“This demonstrates the ongoing commitment of this Government to developing quality childcare provision in Ireland,
? he said.
Applications for funding can be made from April 29.