Closing date for applications 30th April
Fine Gael TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Heather Humphreys, has encouraged local childcare organisations to apply for funding under the Childcare Capital Programme 2013.
Deputy Humphreys said:
“I am pleased with the announcement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD that €2.75 million is to be provided under the Childcare Capital Programme 2013. This funding will help to support ongoing improvements in the childcare sector and I would encourage local childcare organisations to apply for funding.
“This is the second year in a row that significant capital funding is being provided 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.
“The 2013 funding scheme covers four strands: small grants to purchase equipment or carry out small maintenance work; 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 fit for purpose under the childcare regulations.
“I am particularly pleased that funding will be available for the provision of safe outdoor play spaces. It is hugely important that we provide quality play and recreation facilities in order to support children’s development and in promoting physical activity, particularly in light of the rising problem of childhood obesity in Ireland.
“In 2012, Minister Fitzgerald reintroduced a capital funding scheme for childcare for the first time since 2008 and the provision of further funding this year is evidence of this Government’s continued commitment to provide quality childcare facilities.
“The scheme will be administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and full details of the Programme and instructions are available on the Pobal website at www.pobal.ie. Applications must be made online and can be made up until Tuesday 30th April 2013,” said Deputy Humphreys.
