Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2014
71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which it is expected to accelerate the school building programme to meet the increased demand in various areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23626/14]
View answer72. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has received submissions from various school authorities throughout County Kildare in respect of the provision of new buildings or replacement of existing buildings at various locations throughout County Kildare on an annual basis over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23627/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.
The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including those for County Kildare, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie which is updated regularly throughout the year. The Deputy will be aware that the 5 Year Construction Plan, that I announced in March 2012, lists the individual school projects that are planned to proceed to construction over the duration of the Plan. The Plan priorities new school building projects as well as major extensions in areas where significant demographic need has been established so that our school system is in a position to cater for increasing pupil numbers. The plan will provide over 100,000 permanent school places, of which over 80,000 will be new school places.
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 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. In November 2013, details of the 70 building projects to commence construction in 2014 were announced, the third year of the Plan. The 5 Year Plan, together with the annual programme, may be also viewed on my Department's website.
