Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2016
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to meet in full all projects outlined in the capital programme for the current and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18535/16]
View answer161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools building programme for County Kildare over the next four years in respect of primary and second level schools, new and refurbishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18540/16]
View answerI propose to take questions Nos. 156 and 161 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that it is my Department's intention to fully implement the Six Year Capital Plan (2016 - 2021).
As the Deputy is aware, the Six Year Capital Plan (2016 - 2021), announced last November, as part of the Government's €2.8 billion schools capital investment programme, details the major school building projects that are scheduled to proceed to tender-construction over the lifetime of the Plan. It is my Department's intention to progress these projects, including those listed for County Kildare, through the various stages of the architectural planning and construction process as outlined in the Plan.
The programme aims to prioritise new building projects and major extensions, including special schools, in areas where significant demographic need has been established. The Deputy will also be aware that the Capital Programme also progresses school projects that were announced under my Department's Five Year Plan (2012 - 2016). In addition, the Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for schools, where an immediate enrolment need has been identified, such as the appointment of an additional teacher.
Details of the schools listed on this programme can be found on my Department's website www.education.ie.
