School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 May 2014

Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Questions (185)

Tom Fleming

Question:

185. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will take action and provide the necessary funding for resource-learning support facilities, a general purpose hall and two new classrooms in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will take into consideration the population growth and the recent closure of a school in the area and the urgent demand for the upgrading of facilities at this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20170/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department approved grant aid to the school in question on 30 April for the construction of one mainstream classroom with associated toilet facilities and two resource teaching spaces for children with special educational needs. The school has since accepted this grant. The school was also included on the list of successful schools under the Summer Works Scheme 2014, which I published on 20 March last, for mechanical improvement works. In view of the financial constraints imposed by the need, as outlined in the Five Year Plan, to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential additional school places to meet demographic demand, my Department is not in a position to provide a General Purpose Room at the school at this time.