Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2014
178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of schools throughout the country likely to benefit from refurbishment or replacement in the coming year; the extent to which adequate budgetary provisions have been made in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38450/14]
View answer180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she has taken or proposes to take to meet the school building requirements at primary and second level throughout the country in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38452/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 180 together.
The Five Year Construction Plan that was announced in March 2012 as part of the Department's €2 billion capital investment programme, outlines the major school projects that are scheduled to commence construction over the duration of the Plan. These have been prioritised on the basis of meeting significant demographic needs.
In addition, my Department will also consider applications from individual schools for devolved funding to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments and where an additional teacher is being appointed.
My Department will continue to analyse demographic trends and to monitor enrolments in all areas, to determine the level of additional school provision which may be required into the future and to ensure that this is provided in a timely manner.
The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is updated regularly throughout the year.
