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Schools Building Projects Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 June 2013

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Questions (85)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

85. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary was not approved and or considered for a major funding grant in the latest round of funding investing in infrastructure and jobs; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this school has been in temporary accommodation for almost 20 years and has now been granted planning permission to progress to the building stage; if he will reconsider this school for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28252/13]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that the school projects announced as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" Package last week are school projects that have completed extensive architectural planning already and which my Department has identified can progress to tender and construction before end year. In relation to the school, referred by the Deputy, I am aware that planning permission has been recently obtained for an extension for the school concerned. The Deputy will however also be aware that my Department's over-riding objective is to ensure that every child has access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. To ensure that this is achieved, the delivery of major school projects to meet significant demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme is focused on meeting those demographic needs. The area in which the school, in question, is located has not been identifed as an area of significant demographic growth. In that context, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. All school building projects, including the project for the school in question, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to give an indicative timeframe for the construction of a new school building for the school.

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