€530k Childcare Grants for Cavan & Monaghan Providers

Funding welcomed by Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed a new childcare capital scheme offering a strong opportunity to expand services and increase places for families in Cavan and Monaghan.

The €10 million Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2, announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, will support both community and private providers to extend facilities and boost capacity.

Community providers can apply for grants of €100,000 to €530,000, while private providers can access €50,000 to €265,000.

Deputy Smith said the scheme will have a direct local impact.

“We know there is strong demand for childcare places, particularly for younger children. This scheme gives providers across Cavan and Monaghan a real chance to grow their services and deliver more places locally.

“It is about supporting services to expand in their own communities and making it easier for families to access childcare closer to home.”

The funding targets new full-time places for children aged one to three, where demand is highest. All projects must increase capacity and meet Universal Design Guidelines to ensure accessibility and inclusion.

Deputy Smith added: “This builds on what is already working. Phase 1 is already delivering new places, and now we are building on that progress to increase capacity further.

“It is part of a wider plan to make childcare more available and more affordable for families, and this funding will help deliver that here in Cavan and Monaghan.”

The scheme is part of the wider Building Blocks Capital Programme under the National Development Plan, alongside Core Funding and the National Childcare Scheme.