Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2013
71. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason a new school has been taken off the priority list of buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13201/13]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers has an application with the Department for large scale capital funding for a replacement school building. My Department is aware of the school's accommodation difficulties and is in regular contact with the school.
To ensure that every child has access to a physical school place, it is vital that there is sufficient school accommodation available to cater for future demographic growth. The delivery of building projects to meet increasing demographic demands will be the main focus for capital investment over the duration of the 5 Year Plan, particularly in those areas where it has been identified that most demographic growth will be concentrated. The area in question has not been identified as an area of significant demographic growth.
Given the need to meet demographic growth, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects to meet future demand, will be the main focus of the Department's budget for the coming years. In this regard, it is not possible to indicate at this point when a building project for the school will be progressed. The current status of all projects, including this school's project, may be viewed on the Department's website at www.education.i.e.. and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.
