Minister Foley announces new €135 million programme of State-led early learning and childcare services

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has announced that €135
million will be made available for State-led services providing high-quality, accessible
early learning and childcare.
The process will begin in 2026 with the acquisition of buildings in what will be a ground breaking initiative for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on
requirements. The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design and
open services, and these providers will run the services.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year with each one providing
more than 100 places. The state-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to
2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan.
Launching the programme, Minister Foley said:
“The State will be stepping in to create high-quality, accessible services where they are
most needed. This is a groundbreaking move by Government to support children and
families.”
The Department will begin by assessing sites and buildings which align with the goals of
the programme and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to
deliver these State-led services.
Minister Foley added that the Department of Children, Disability and Equality was in
discussions with local authorities and State agencies, including the Land Development
Agency, about the potential for acquiring buildings.
“Advanced discussions are ongoing with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in
relation to the early learning and care facility at the Shanganagh Castle Estate, and a
range of other projects are also being considered.
“The programme will commence immediately, with up to eight services being funded
this year. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government. I look
forward to working with not-for-profit operators to deliver high quality State-led early
learning and childcare. This state-led initiative will complement the work of
existing private and community early learning and childcare providers, with the support
of record levels of Core Funding.”
The initial approach being taken in the programme in 2026 is on purchasing and
refurbishment of buildings because this will be faster than securing planning
permission to construct new buildings on green field sites. However, the option of
building new facilities will also be considered as the state-led programme progresses.
Having accessible, affordable and high-quality childcare in local neighbourhoods
supports families and strengthens community bonds.
There will be a particular focus in the new state-led facilities on providing places for 1–
3-year-old children because this is where the need is greatest.
The aim of delivering additional supply in suitable locations will include both rural areas
and urban areas which are not well served at the moment.
Additional supply in areas of disadvantage is another priority because early learning can
have very positive impacts on children at risk of disadvantage.
Another factor to consider is the need to rebalance supply in some areas where there is
a high concentration of private supply, but very low levels of community childcare.
Other measures being pursued to increase the supply of places include a new round of
Building Blocks scheme in 2026, which will fund extensions to existing early learning
and childcare services.