Dáil Motion Calls for Extension of Childcare Building Blocks Scheme to Existing Properties

A private members' motion brought before Dáil Éireann has urged the Government to extend the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme to allow for the purchase of existing buildings, rather than focusing solely on new builds, in an effort to rapidly increase childcare capacity across Ireland.

Moving the motion, Deputy Claire Kerrane highlighted that the current grant scheme restricts funding to new builds and new purchases. Expanding the criteria to include existing properties, she argued, would allow providers to build capacity and do so quickly to address severe waiting lists.

According to the motion, there are between 40,000 and 50,000 children on waiting lists for childcare places across the State. The debate also highlighted that fewer than 200 of an estimated 16,000 childminders in Ireland have registered with Tusla ahead of the September 2027 deadline.

In addition to the infrastructure funding changes, the motion called on the Government to publish a clear roadmap to deliver €200-per-month childcare, initiate a review of Core Funding supports, and increase pay for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare Practitioners from September 2026.