Frances Fitzgerald, TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, today announced that €2.75 million in capital grant funding has been allocated to 671 grantees subject to contract, from childcare settings throughout Ireland. In 2012, Minister Fitzgerald introduced a capital funding scheme for childcare. The programme is a national programme administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Minister Fitzgerald stated, “I am pleased, for the second year in a row, to be in a position to provide capital funding for the childcare sector. This year’s funding will help to ensure that we continue to improve the quality of early childhood care and education which is of such benefit to our youngest children. This capital programme represents my commitment, and that of Government, to the ongoing development of the childcare sector.
This year’s funding scheme, totally €2.75 million, covered four strands:
· Small grants to purchase equipment or carry out small maintained work, assessed by the local childcare committees
· Grants to improve accessibility of services for children with disabilities
· Grants to provide natural outdoor spaces that promote active outdoor play and
· Grants towards critical works to ensure that buildings are fir for purpose under the childcare regulations (open to community/not for profit services)
All submitted applications were considered in order to find those that most closely and completely met the criteria and objectives of the programme. Applications that were successful were those that represented the most complete, coherent, precise and compelling cases for funding with particular consideration given to additional supporting material and the level of deprivation of the areas according to the Pobal Haase index. The investment is targeted to have high impact by providing funds towards the provision of safe outdoor play spaces in childcare services, improving buildings and supporting services to ensure that children with disabilities have better experiences within early year’s settings.
Minister Fitzgerald stated, “Last week was National Recreation Week, which was celebrated right around the country. Play and recreation are themes I have consistently highlighted in terms of supporting children’s development and promoting physical activity. Startling statistics revealed by my Department’s ‘Growing Up in Ireland’ survey show that one in four 3 year olds are overweight or obese. In this context I am particularly pleased that over €1 million in funding has being made available to 161 childcare settings throughout the country to help them provide a safe outdoor space to encourage play and physical activity.”
Minister Fitzgerald added, “I would like to thank all of those who took the time and effort to apply for funding under this programme and to compliment them for their commitment to improving the quality of childcare services. I would also like to pay tribute to the work of Pobal in managing the significant volume of applications in a very professional, timely and efficient manner.”
Pobal will provide applicants with information to assist them in understanding the reasons for the outcome of their application and from today (Thursday) applicants will be able to request a consultation regarding the treatment of their application via the Pobal website and an appeals process will be made available.