Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
551. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if an application submitted from an organisation (details supplied) to the planning and buildings unit of her Department will remain open and be given priority when applications are examined in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37600/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level and for special education needs provision in order to ensure every pupil has a school place each September. However, under Project Ireland 2040, there will be an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock. This will include a PE Hall build and modernisation programme to ensure that students in all post-primary schools have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision. The ancillary accommodation needs of primary schools, such as General Purpose rooms will also be considered.
The Deputy may also be aware of the very significant school building programme that is currently underway. Overall, there are in excess of 1,300 school building projects at various stages of design, planning, and construction. The current status of approved projects under the school building programme is listed on a county by county basis on my Department's website at www.gov.ie and is regularly updated.
