Government To Deliver 1,500 Additional Early Learning And Childcare Places

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Tipp Mid West Radio
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€25 million in funding is being provided by the Government to deliver 1,500 additional Early Learning and Childcare places nationwide under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme.  Two locations in County Tipperary will receive funding under the scheme. The Happy Days Crèche in Ballyporeen is allocated €117,000 for a community Extension grant that will see an additional 17 places provided.   Nenagh Childcare Centre,  will receive funding of €493,000 for an extension to cater for 27 additional places.
The Scheme supports existing Private and Community early learning and childcare providers to extend their premises. It will also allow community services to purchase or construct new premises, according to Deputy Michael Lowry.Grants of up to €500,000 are being provided for large-scale extensions with Grants of up to €750,000 are available to purchase or construct new premises.To protect the State’s investment, those getting Building Blocks funding will be required to continue to deliver the additional places and to remain as a Core Funding Partner Service operating within the conditions of that scheme for a period of up to 17 years after the date of last payment of the grants.