Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2013
86. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a new school building (details supplied) in County Mayo; when a decision may be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5017/13]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning. To ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of projects to meet the increasing demographic demands will be the main focus for capital investment over the next five years, particularly in those areas where it has been identified that most future demographic growth will be concentrated.
Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet those increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include the project referred to by the Deputy in the 5 year construction programme. Schools, including the one referred to by the Deputy, which have not been included in the five year construction programme, but which were announced for initial inclusion in the building programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to my Department in future years.
