Local Childcare Services in the South County Dublin Childcare Committee area can now submit applications for funding to provide extra spaces and make fire safety improvements, according to Minister Katherine Zappone. The Minister is inviting services for local families to examine the €6m scheme to see if they qualify for support. The Capital Funding comes as the roll out of a new Affordable Childcare Scheme is planned for later this year. Speaking at the announcement Minister Zappone said: “We have taken big strides to improve childcare in communities with young families – including those in Citywest, Tallaght and Templeogue. However I know that despite the 117% increase in Government support secured since 2015 there is still more needed. The reality is we started from a very low base caused by decades of neglect by successive Governments. Capital funding is one way in which we can address these shortfalls and I am delighted to tell local providers that for the next month we will be accepting applications for works they may be planning. The big focus is on providing extra spaces so we can keep up with demand. In addition there is some funding also available to improve safety, in particular fire safety.
The full details are available at www.dcya.gov.ie. In the weeks I look forward to giving further updates for children, parents and providers about the exciting development’s ahead. Childcare is about to change forever. It is important that in the coming months everyone knows about the big changes ahead. For families it means more will be getting support. For our local providers it means a big cut in red tape. For communities with large numbers of young families, such as those in Dublin South West, it means a renewed focus on affordability, access and quality. Turning the most expensive childcare system in the world into the best was never going to be easy or fast. However by the end of 2019 we will be firmly on the right track – and there can be no going back.”
