Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (345)

John McGuinness

Question:

345. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if approval will be granted as a matter of urgency for a major building project at a school (details supplied) to include funding to cover all of the extra costs relative to the conditions attached to the planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála; if a positive and early response will be expedited given the existing building and prefabs are leaking and not fit for purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41683/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to has been approved for a project under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2015.  This project will provide for one mainstream classrooms with en-suite, a WC for assisted user and one SET room.

This project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.  This project was approved to go to Planning in June 2019.  The planning received had onerous conditions attached which were outside the remit of the additional accommodation scheme and the school were informed to appeal to An Bord Pleanála.  The planning decision was upheld following this appeal and the matter is currently with the Department for review.  Officials in my Department will be in contact with the school shortly with a view to progressing this project.