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.

Capital grants to develop childcare facilities were available to childcare providers in both the
private and community sector.

Private sector applicants could 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 could 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.