Dr. James Reilly T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, has today announced the launch of capital funding totalling €7 million for Early Years services. This new scheme of capital funding for early years services demonstrates the on-going commitment of this Government to developing quality childcare provision in Ireland.

€5 million has been made available for grants specifically for community/not for profit childcare services.  This funding will provide grant aid, in the region of €500,000, for significant upgrades of community and not-for-profit childcare services, such as major refurbishment or relocation to new premises. Also under this strand of funding, grants of up to €50,000 will be available for essential maintenance, or works undertaken to improve the energy performance of childcare facilities.

The Minister stated: “I am committed to securing the sustainability of community and not for profit childcare services, particularly in disadvantaged areas. There is clear evidence that, while all children benefit from access to quality early years provision, those from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit to the greatest extent”.

The remaining €2 million in capital funding is being made available for both private and community childcare facilities to access grants of up to €500 for quality improvement measures, specifically in the area of upgrading IT facilities.

Further information on the EYC2015 programme and information on how to make an application can be found on the Pobal website at www.pobal.ie  Applications for funding can be made from the 29th April. I would encourage all community and not-for-profit childcare services to apply today.