Paul Kehoe
Question:221. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the process for inclusion in a building scheme by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46647/18]
View answerTuesday, 13 November 2018
Questions (221)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's current focus is to prioritise funding for essential classroom accommodation to meet demographic need.
The National Development Plan (NDP) provides for an €8.4 billion investment in school buildings over the period 2018 to 2027 to deliver on NDP and National Planning Framework objectives through addressing the twin priorities of catering for demographics and ensuring a strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock. The announcement referred to the commitment to a PE Hall build and modernisation programme in post primary schools, starting in the second half of the Project Ireland 2040 period.
The immediate priority is to provide 20,000 new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place. My Department is not in a position, at this point, to consider the request from the school to which the Deputy refers for a General Purpose Room. The request will however be retained on file for consideration in the event of funding becoming available for this purpose in the future.
My Department has recently clarified the position directly to the school.