Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2012
108. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the need for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57273/12]
View answer109. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the need for an extension and refurbishments to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57274/12]
View answer110. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the need for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57275/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 to 110, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my priority is to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet projected pupil increases in the future. The 5 Year Plan that I announced in March last, together with my announcement last week of the 50 school projects which are scheduled for construction in 2013 as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. These have been prioritised on the basis of meeting significant demographic needs.
While the proposed project at the school will not provide for new demographic need, it will replace the school's existing temporary accommodation. Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of essential additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include this project in the five year construction programme announced earlier this year. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. Whilst no meetings have taken place between Department officials and the school authorities since March 2011, my Department will consult with the school if the need for a meeting arises.
