€10 million capital scheme to benefit childcare services in Mayo

The opening of a €10 million capital funding scheme has been announced which is set to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places.

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme 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.

Welcoming the announcement Deputy Keira Keogh said: “I am delighted to see that community providers can apply for a capital grant of between €100,000 and €530,000 to extend their existing premises, and match funding is not a requirement. “Private providers can apply for a capital grant of between €50,000 and €265,000 to extend their existing premises. Private providers will need match funding.”

Deputy Keough is urging Mayo groups to engage with the Childcare Committee.

“In Mayo the uptake was quiet low the last time this funding was available, and I am urging any interested groups to engage with the Mayo Childcare Committee or my office if interested in applying. We must all work together to increase capacity in Mayo to meet the ever-increasing demand.”

Applications for funding are open until July 31, 2026.