National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 - 2010
The NCIP capital programme is closed to new applicants at this time.
The National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 - 2010 is a major programme of investment in childcare infrastructure. €575 million has been allocated to the 5-year programme, including €358 million for capital investment. It is anticipated that the programme will create up to 50,000 new childcare places, with the objective of assisting parents to access affordable, quality childcare.
The National Childcare Investment Programme will seek to:
- create 5,000 after-school and 10,000 pre-school education places;
- support childcare facilities for disadvantaged parents and their children;
- support quality measures for childminders and parent and toddler groups;
- provide education measures for children and adults in areas of disadvantage.
The programme will develop quality childcare supports and services, delivered at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees under the coordination of Pobal.
Capital grants to develop childcare facilities are available to childcare providers in both the private and community sector.
Private sector applicants may apply for grant assistance of up to €100,000 towards the capital cost of developing a childcare facility in a catchment area where there is a demonstrated childcare need. An applicant may apply for more than one grant, provided the subsequent childcare facilities are in different catchment areas and subject to an overall ceiling of €500,000. In each case, an applicant must provide at least 25% of the total funding required for the project.
Community/not-for-profit sector applicants may apply for grant assistance towards the capital cost of developing a childcare facility based on a demonstrated childcare need in the area. The level of funding will be determined by the number of places the group proposes to provide and several criteria based on specific local need. A maximum grant of €1.2 million is available under the programme, subject to a maximum cost per place of €24,000. Applications will also be assessed based on the sustainability of a project.
Capital grants are also being made available to assist Childminders and Parent and Toddler Groups. Conditions and application criteria can be obtained from the City and County Childcare Committees, Pobal and the Office of the Minister for Children.
Details of staffing grant assistance for community sector childcare providers will be announced during 2007.
Those wishing to apply for capital grants should contact their local City or County Childcare Committee
Expression of Interest Forms to apply for capital grants are available below:
