Two Laois childcare services are among the 151 applicants that will share in the €9 million Building Blocks – Improvement Grant 2023.
Grants awarded range from €35,000 to €75,000 across two separate strands: Green Energy and Retrofit.
Little Stars Montessori School in Portlaoise will receive €75,000 and The Village Creche in Ballyroan will receive over €54,000 towards retrofitting and green energy upgrades to their buildings.
The Green Energy Strand supports the Climate Action Agenda and the Programme for Government, which aim to transition to a carbon neutral economy by the end of 2050 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030.
Under this Strand, grants are being provided to help services to increase their energy efficiency by utilising renewables, where feasible, through the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and insulation.
The Retrofit Strand is supporting existing services in need of upgrading.
Eligible works include kitchen refurbishment, upgrading of sanitary facilities for children and adults, roof repairs, and the replacement and upgrading of flooring.
In total, 151 services across the country have been awarded grants under the scheme.
Speaking alongside local election candidate, Rosie Palmer, Laois TD, Pippa Hackett, Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said:
“Fantastic news this morning that two early childcare providers in Laois are receiving almost €130,000 towards green energy upgrades to their facilities.
“This is the benefit of Green Party participation in Government and will benefit the children and staff directly, reduce energy bills and is practical climate action.”
Rosie Palmer, Local Election Candidate for the Green Party also welcomed the news.
She said: “I’m delighted to see that Little Stars Montessori School in Portlaoise will receive €75,000 and The Village Creche in Ballyroan will receive over €54,000 towards retrofitting and green energy upgrades to their buildings.
“While these upgrades have the immediate benefit of warmer, more energy efficient facilities, they also serve as a source of interest and conversation for the children who get to see proof of climate action in an everyday setting.
“I look forward to more providers availing of this funding in the future.”
SEE ALSO – Surge in demand for services at Cuisle cancer support centre as they prepare for Open Day
