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Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (1010)

Neale Richmond

Question:

1010. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education the number of primary and post-primary schools in an area (details supplied) that are operating either in temporary accommodation or in prefabs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19193/21]

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Written answers

There are 4 schools renting accommodation, either temporary prefabricated accommodation or an area within an existing permanent building in Dublin Rathdown. Of the schools renting permanent buildings one has been renting since 2009 and the other since 2019 and in respect of the rented prefabs one has been renting since 2015 and the other since 2018.

While the Department is aware that some schools are operating some classes in purchased prefabs around the country (funded by the Department and/or by the school authority), accurate information is not readily available across the entire school estate.

While it is the policy of my Department to ensure a high standard of permanent accommodation for all schools, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population over the last decade or more it is sometimes necessary to make use of temporary accommodation to meet the accommodation needs of schools. Furthermore, it may also be necessary to make use of temporary rented accommodation when an immediate or short term need arises. For example, a school may require a temporary building in circumstances where a major school construction project is planned. Such temporary accommodation is removed when the major project concerned is completed. The length of time it is necessary to make use of temporary rented accommodation will vary from project to project.

The changing landscape in relation to enrolments means that accommodation requirements can vary between short-term, medium-term and long-term and this can impact on the type of accommodation solution put in place to address same.

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