School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016

Friday, 16 September 2016

Questions (486)

Michael Ring

Question:

486. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills his Department’s regulations on overcrowding in schools, with particular reference to best practice regarding pupil numbers per building size; if he is satisfied that a school (details supplied) built to accommodate 200 pupils can safely continue to accommodate 400 pupils according to current health and safety regulations, fire safety regulations and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25987/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. All statutory approvals have been obtained and the Stage 2b submission has been approved by my Department.

Arising from significant changes to the Public Works Contract (PWC) introduced earlier this year, the Board of Management and their Design Team have been advised of the need to carry out further work in relation to the tender documents to bring them into line with those changes. When this work is complete, my Department will be in further contact with the school. The progression of the project will be considered thereafter in the context of the funding available. The project, when completed, will provide much improved accommodation for the school and address deficiencies in the existing building, including those to which the Deputy refers.

In the meantime, my Department has provided additional temporary accommodation to the school to address its accommodation needs pending the delivery of the building project.