Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2013
82. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm details of building works he has now approved for national schools in Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39962/13]
View answerInformation in respect of all school projects where funding has been approved under various schemes, is available on my Department's website, broken down geographically, at www.education.ie, which is updated on a regular basis.
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. Details of these projects are also contained on the website, broken down by county. 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.
In addition, due to additional funding made available for the schools' building programme as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" package announced recently, school projects that were not contained in the 5 year programme but have completed extensive architectural planning are now being progressed to tender and construction.
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 which 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 details of which are available on my Departments website.
In June of this year, I announced a further Prefab Replacement Initiative to replace in the region 115 prefabs in 46 schools with permanent accommodation. A total of €15m has been allocated in 2013/14 for this initiative.
Details of all works funded under my Department's Additional Accommodation and Emergency Works Schemes, including works in schools in Tallaght are also available on my Department website and this is updated on a weekly basis.
