School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Questions (302)

Dara Calleary

Question:

302. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in a poor physical condition and in a non population growth area that was previously sanctioned for a new school but that now cannot proceed with a new build owing to his policy of building in growth areas only; if consideration will be given to a prefab replacement scheme; if he will outline other avenues that may be available to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3822/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The 5 Year Construction Plan that I announced on 9 March 2012 last, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers.

Under my Department's Prefab Replacement Initiative announced in March 2012, over 170 schools have been approved to replace their rented prefab accommodation with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million has been allocated for this initiative of which €15.6 million was paid in 2012. This funding is being provided to schools to replace rented prefabs that are currently providing mainstream classroom and resource rooms for an estimated 6,000 pupils. In total, 286 mainstream classrooms currently in rented prefabs will receive permanent buildings. My Department will consider applications by schools for funding for additional classrooms, where an immediate enrolment need is arising.