Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 May 2014
64. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post-primary schools which have applied for new school buildings or extensions during each of the past three years; the number of these applications which have been granted; and the current status of granted applications. [20496/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that details of all school capital works that have been funded by my Department may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie by clicking on "Schools and Colleges", then "Building Works" and selecting the relevant headings. This is updated on a regular basis.
The 5 year School Construction Plan announced on 9 March 2012 (which is also detailed on the website), provides for a €2 billion school capital investment programme to 2016, of which €1.5 billion is being allocated to fund major school projects with the balance needed for the additional accommodation scheme, the prefab replacement initiative, the acquisition of sites and other works. 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. The Plan prioritises major school projects in areas where future significant demographic changes have been identified.
Further to the Five Year Plan, my Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to individual major school projects commencing construction. In December 2011, details of 56 major school building projects scheduled to commence construction in 2012, the first year of the Plan, were published. In December 2012, details of 50 major school building projects were announced to commence construction in 2013, the second year of the Plan (both Plans available on my Department's website). Details of the building projects that are projected to commence construction in 2014 will be announced later this year.
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 earlier this year, 28 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.
The Deputy will be aware that under the Prefab Replacement Initiative 2012, approval was given to 170 schools nationally to replace 458 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million was allocated for this initiative. In June 2013, I announced a further initiative to replace prefab units with permanent accommodation. A total of €15 million has been allocated in 2013/2014 for this purpose. Forty-six schools, with 115 prefab units, will be offered grants to provide the new facilities. Replacing prefabs is part of this Government's €475 million education infrastructure plan for 2014. The Plan will provide modern, high quality accommodation for pupils and teachers. The Deputy will also be aware of my announcement on 7th November of an additional €70 million for school improvement works. In addition, details of applications for devloved funding for the provision of additional accommodation may be viewed on my Department's website.
