A Government scheme aimed at delivering eight new early learning and childcare facilities this year has received 68 applications since opening last month.
Children’s Minister Norma Foley told the Oireachtas Children’s Committee that the selected centres are expected to be operational by late 2026 or early 2027, at which point they will begin accepting children.
However, the locations of the eight facilities have yet to be decided.
Focus on areas of greatest need
The €135 million initiative will fund the acquisition and, where necessary, the fit-out of buildings to operate as not-for-profit childcare centres. Each facility is expected to provide more than 100 places, helping to reduce waiting lists.
Ms Foley said applications vary widely in readiness, with some proposals still at the concept stage and others already progressing through planning permission.
She said the facilities would be prioritised for areas with the greatest need and where there is currently little or no provision.
Political pressure over locations
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane raised concerns that many communities are competing for just eight locations, highlighting Boyle in Co Roscommon as an area in urgent need of services.
Ms Foley acknowledged the demand, stating that while many communities require support, the Government had to begin with an initial phase of eight centres.
Phased investment
An estimated €14 million will be spent on the scheme in its first year, with funding expected to increase over the lifetime of the Government.
The initiative forms part of the Programme for Government’s commitment to progressively reduce childcare costs to €200 per month per child.
The Department said the State will provide capital funding for suitable buildings, while not-for-profit operators will run the centres once established.