Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has announced the opening of a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places.

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 will provide grants for community and private early learning and childcare services who are Core Funding partner services to increase their capacity by means of extensions to their existing premises.

Community providers can apply for a capital grant of between €100,000 and €530,000 to extend their existing premises.

Private providers can apply for a capital grant of between €50,000 and €265,000 to extend their existing premises.

All projects will be required to deliver net increases in full-time places for one to three year-olds. Projects will also be required to incorporate Universal Design Guidelines. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2026. This will ensure that all applicants have sufficient time to engage with their design teams and their solicitors prior to the closing date. The outcome of the appraisal process will be communicated to services in September 2026.

For more information, please visit Minister Foley announces new €10 million capital scheme for early learning and childcare services

Closing date: Friday 31st July 2026