Creating Greener, Warmer Childcare Buildings with Building Blocks – Improvement Grant

I am thrilled to announce a significant step towards creating greener and warmer early learning and childcare services with the Building Blocks Improvement Grant. As the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, I am proud that we have allocated €9 million to the Building Blocks – Improvement Grant 2023, supporting the transformation of early learning and childcare services into greener, warmer spaces with lower running costs for service providers.

The heart of Building Blocks Improvement Grant lies in the Climate Action Plan, every sector must do there bit in achieving a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. Our efforts start with the Building Blocks grant. 151 services across the country, each awarded grants ranging from €35,000 to €75,000 to help with retrofitting, installing social panels, heat pumps and insulating.

The Building Blocks – Improvement Grant is comprised of two essential strands: Green Energy and Retrofit. The Green Energy Strand enhances energy efficiency using renewable sources, such as solar panels and heat pumps, while bolstering insulation. The Retrofit Strand, on the other hand, focuses on rejuvenating existing services. This includes upgrading kitchens, sanitary facilities, roofs, and flooring – small yet impactful changes that contribute to an improved childcare environment.

Our efforts are far from over. Work is already underway to design and deliver the Building Blocks – Capacity Grant 2024, which has an allocation of €20 million in 2024 and €25 million in 2025. This grant will facilitate the expansion of existing services and the creation of new ones where they are most needed. Furthermore, the Building Blocks – Innovation Grant, with €15 million in funding, will pilot innovative initiatives that advance the quality and accessibility of our childcare services.