Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013
62. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been made regarding funding for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43266/13]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to has made an application to my Department for significant capital funding for refurbishment works. In view of the need to ensure that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects, are being prioritised in the 5 Year Plan to meet significant demographic growth. As it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this school project at this time, the school has been asked to consider an alternative option towards addressing their accommodation needs. In that regard, my Department wrote to the school authority advising that they identify the most urgent critical works, the costs associated with those works and to consider how such works might be phased and submit their proposals to my Department for consideration. A response is awaited from the school authority and once received, the matter will be considered further.
