Seven new state-led childcare projects announced for Ireland
Minister Norma Foley has unveiled plans for seven new early learning facilities aimed at creating 600 additional childcare spaces nationwide. These developments will address critical service shortages in both rural regions and rapidly expanding urban housing estates.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has confirmed the locations for seven new state-led early learning and childcare projects. This initiative forms part of a broader government strategy to improve the accessibility and affordability of high-quality childcare across the country. By targeting areas with significant undersupply, the programme aims to deliver approximately 600 new places, with further developments expected to follow as part of a long-term commitment under the National Development Plan.
The selected sites include projects in Boyle, Co. Roscommon; Killarney, Co. Kerry; and both Gorey and Enniscorthy in Co. Wexford. Additional facilities are slated for the Shanganagh Castle estate in Dublin, Airton Road in Tallaght, and Raphoe in Co. Donegal. These locations were prioritised for their ability to provide services rapidly, with many involving the acquisition and fit-out of existing buildings to ensure they become operational by next year. The Department is now moving to identify suitable not-for-profit providers to manage these new services.
This capital programme complements existing supports, such as the Building Blocks Extension Scheme and record levels of Core Funding, which currently total over €1.5 billion annually. Officials have confirmed that negotiations for two further sites in Leinster and Munster are ongoing, which will bring the total number of announced locations to nine this year. Those interested in proposing future projects are encouraged to contact the Department through their local City or County Childcare Committee for further information on the application process.
The selected sites include projects in Boyle, Co. Roscommon; Killarney, Co. Kerry; and both Gorey and Enniscorthy in Co. Wexford. Additional facilities are slated for the Shanganagh Castle estate in Dublin, Airton Road in Tallaght, and Raphoe in Co. Donegal. These locations were prioritised for their ability to provide services rapidly, with many involving the acquisition and fit-out of existing buildings to ensure they become operational by next year. The Department is now moving to identify suitable not-for-profit providers to manage these new services.
This capital programme complements existing supports, such as the Building Blocks Extension Scheme and record levels of Core Funding, which currently total over €1.5 billion annually. Officials have confirmed that negotiations for two further sites in Leinster and Munster are ongoing, which will bring the total number of announced locations to nine this year. Those interested in proposing future projects are encouraged to contact the Department through their local City or County Childcare Committee for further information on the application process.
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