Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2017
30. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to the need for new buildings for schools in the Curragh, in view of the condition of facilities available to pupils there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31734/17]
View answerMy Department's Six-Year Capital Programme priorities building projects for areas of demographic growth. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.
While my Department is aware that some consideration is being given locally to applying for replacement accommodation for the Curragh primary schools, no proposal in this regard has been received.
I can confirm that the post-primary school has recently submitted an application for temporary accommodation. My Department will consider the application and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as the assessment process has been completed.
Additional post-primary capacity is currently being provided in Newbridge and my Department will continue to monitor demographics to identify where additional school places will be required nationally, including in County Kildare.
