Written Answers Nos. 1131-1145
1132. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education her views on whether students who are forced to apply for a concessionary place on school transportation should have to pay for these places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41195/22]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
As you are aware, I recently announced initiatives to assist families with back to school costs. In recognition that this is an expensive time of year for families, I have put in place measures worth over €17m which will ensure free school transport for families availing of the school transport scheme in the 2022/2023 school year. This measure will provide families with savings of up to €500 on the cost of tickets.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time and who proceed to confirm to Bus Éireann that they require a ticket by the 29th July 2022 will be accommodated on school transport services for the 2022/23 school year where such services are in operation.
The closing date for applications for the 2022/23 school year was 29 April 2022. A late application process is available. These late applications will be processed in the normal way and a ticket is not guaranteed.
Families that will receive tickets for the 2022/2023 school year will not have to pay for their ticket, this is the case whether they are eligible or concessionary ticket holders.
The school transport scheme is a demand led scheme operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. Bus Éireann review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
1133. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education when a retail service provider will be appointed to provide broadband to a school (details supplied); if the matter will be expedited given the various factors at play. [41231/22]
View answerThe delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
My Department operates the Schools Broadband Programme at an annual cost of some €13m, providing connectivity to schools through a range of technologies at the best level of connectivity available based on local infrastructure.
As the Deputy is aware the school referred is in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) Intervention Area, implementation of which is underway. My Department is working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) on this implementation to prioritise school connectivity, with all schools in the NBP to be provided with high speed broadband infrastructure by 2023. My officials have confirmed with colleagues in the DECC that this school will be connected to the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) infrastructure over the summer months. Thereafter it is anticipated that this school will be in receipt of high speed broadband through the Schools Broadband Programme for the coming school year.
In the meantime, the school may wish however to contact the Schools Broadband Service Desk (tel. 1800 334466) to ensure that they are receiving the maximum service on their current connection, and to investigate if internal networking issues may be impacting services in the school.
1134. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will reform the panel rights process to make it easier for primary teachers to qualify; if she believes that the current process is too difficult; if it is a barrier to emigrant teachers returning to Ireland to teach in Irish schools [41287/22]
View answerThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent/CID holding teachers, to other schools that have vacancies.
At primary level, schools are required under the panel arrangements to fill vacancies from the Main Redeployment Panel in the first instance and thereafter permanent vacancies are filled from Supplementary Redeployment Panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers.
Circular 57/2021 sets out the arrangements for the Supplementary Panel for the 2022/23 school year. The panel criteria is reviewed each year, in consultation with the Education Partners (which includes the Teacher Union). Arrangements in relation to next year's Supplementary Panel will be reviewed and published towards the end of the current year.
1135. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education the capital expenditure by her Department per county per annum for each of the years from 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41288/22]
View answerUnder Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland. This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs. This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025.
There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage.
It is envisaged that the Department will deliver between 150-200 school building projects per annum between 2022-2025 period.
During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). These projects delivered in excess of 64,000 school places.
A list of all capital projects completed under the Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme, in county order, from 2010 to date may be viewed my Department’s website at www.education.ie.
In addition, the current status of all projects is also listed on a county by county basis on the website. This is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
The following table shows the capital expenditure for each county per annum from 2016-2022
|
County |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Total |
|
Carlow |
5,052,752 |
7,614,993 |
13,137,708 |
14,897,182 |
5,351,114 |
6,951,195 |
2,655,034 |
55,659,978 |
|
Cavan |
16,430,200 |
21,965,368 |
10,291,461 |
7,569,063 |
12,795,976 |
11,568,816 |
5,516,421 |
86,137,306 |
|
Clare |
12,021,558 |
16,370,249 |
23,777,126 |
24,219,877 |
16,634,050 |
23,163,624 |
10,561,610 |
126,748,093 |
|
Cork |
90,007,512 |
84,146,327 |
65,869,200 |
90,737,177 |
104,884,779 |
112,206,326 |
61,386,656 |
609,237,976 |
|
Donegal |
8,447,179 |
14,317,105 |
6,873,499 |
12,162,437 |
18,583,722 |
32,867,325 |
14,115,349 |
107,366,615 |
|
Dublin |
194,564,056 |
159,697,379 |
186,401,172 |
255,805,863 |
199,384,233 |
234,329,173 |
128,907,202 |
1,359,089,077 |
|
Galway |
36,932,394 |
50,125,026 |
45,448,950 |
58,246,665 |
34,876,024 |
31,490,457 |
11,871,510 |
268,991,026 |
|
Kerry |
8,090,880 |
11,354,509 |
7,386,017 |
13,874,826 |
20,231,132 |
29,931,333 |
4,757,458 |
95,626,154 |
|
Kildare |
16,269,664 |
28,834,256 |
29,434,566 |
34,117,318 |
69,133,344 |
63,374,507 |
34,347,850 |
275,511,504 |
|
Kilkenny |
8,958,368 |
4,522,653 |
6,630,651 |
5,519,123 |
12,417,400 |
12,010,407 |
3,305,646 |
53,364,249 |
|
Laois |
13,930,936 |
14,947,646 |
8,996,718 |
14,270,283 |
15,371,095 |
10,701,548 |
3,278,465 |
81,496,690 |
|
Leitrim |
831,008 |
3,289,965 |
5,428,065 |
1,218,334 |
3,598,356 |
2,033,449 |
805,949 |
17,205,126 |
|
Limerick |
20,698,139 |
36,582,030 |
30,366,530 |
44,176,466 |
33,836,651 |
16,716,802 |
16,879,194 |
199,255,812 |
|
Longford |
4,215,156 |
6,447,497 |
2,567,481 |
3,135,198 |
7,749,823 |
6,380,255 |
1,993,858 |
32,489,268 |
|
Louth |
22,277,166 |
30,702,645 |
34,978,473 |
17,903,977 |
14,851,982 |
15,484,706 |
5,976,594 |
142,175,544 |
|
Mayo |
11,337,065 |
14,991,896 |
16,532,269 |
13,574,468 |
19,107,360 |
26,029,828 |
17,733,734 |
119,306,620 |
|
Meath |
42,840,940 |
25,896,005 |
14,572,512 |
30,073,230 |
38,038,770 |
53,132,504 |
15,915,445 |
220,469,405 |
|
Monaghan |
6,574,419 |
5,240,103 |
5,943,590 |
6,441,869 |
11,378,096 |
12,729,912 |
4,702,919 |
53,010,909 |
|
Offaly |
12,441,261 |
8,689,079 |
12,593,110 |
10,331,572 |
10,188,093 |
8,778,194 |
2,753,463 |
65,774,772 |
|
Roscommon |
3,262,858 |
7,492,924 |
3,542,330 |
17,164,052 |
19,452,282 |
7,324,689 |
1,606,964 |
59,846,101 |
|
Sligo |
6,101,203 |
4,801,452 |
5,735,224 |
9,831,380 |
10,575,582 |
7,661,089 |
3,432,085 |
48,138,016 |
|
Tipperary |
15,388,817 |
12,034,179 |
9,058,310 |
10,840,641 |
19,707,769 |
26,129,703 |
13,105,101 |
106,264,520 |
|
Waterford |
14,792,427 |
12,959,761 |
7,300,291 |
19,561,073 |
19,147,903 |
19,308,335 |
10,037,735 |
103,107,524 |
|
Westmeath |
6,585,323 |
7,653,805 |
15,870,012 |
23,942,676 |
11,968,468 |
13,485,712 |
5,472,234 |
84,978,231 |
|
Wexford |
31,869,780 |
20,339,747 |
14,714,869 |
13,098,555 |
21,947,800 |
20,080,104 |
14,180,652 |
136,231,507 |
|
Wicklow |
16,545,914 |
12,291,098 |
13,728,828 |
19,969,716 |
20,609,251 |
42,439,091 |
18,023,231 |
143,607,129 |
1136. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the analysis that has been carried out by her Department regarding the two potential sites identified for a new school building for a school (details supplied) in Bray, County Wicklow; if a suitable site has now been identified; the stage matters are currently at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41327/22]
View answerIn respect of a solution for the permanent school to which the Deputy refers, I wish to confirm that the two potential site options are being explored.
With regard the first potential site option, the Department is currently seeking clarification on a number of issues which would impact on the deliverability of this site in a timely manner.
A technical assessment of the second potential site option has been undertaken. There were a number of matters identified in the technical assessment and officials in my Department are currently consulting with the Local Authority in order to finalise the assessment of this potential site option.
A solution for the school remains a priority for my Department. The school patron will be kept informed of any key developments.
Due to commercial sensitivities the Department cannot provide any further information at this time.
1137. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the status of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Bray, County Wicklow; the estimated timeframe from start to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41328/22]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently is currently at Stage 2a – Developed Design, where the preferred option design is developed to a stage where the project is fully costed and can be prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
Upon receipt and review of the Stage 2(a) report, an end of Stage 2(a) Stakeholders meeting will be arranged between the School Authorities, Design Team, Project Manager and officials from my Department. Following that milestone meeting, my Department will be in contact with the School and its Design Team regarding the further progression of the project to Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, where the applications for Statutory Approvals are made, and the tender documents are prepared.
Until the statutory approvals have been secured, it is difficult to provide a timeframe for this project to progress to tender and construction stages.
1138. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the stage that matters are currently at in respect of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in Wicklow town; if a site has been identified; the length of time that the build is estimated to take from start to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41329/22]
View answerMy Department remains committed to providing permanent accommodation to meet the needs of the school to which the Deputy refers.
A couple of preferred sites have been identified in Wicklow Town and negotiations in relation to one of these site options are ongoing.
An assessment of a second site option is currently being undertaken.
Once the site has been acquired the project will then progress to the architectural design & planning stages.
Due to the sensitivities around land acquisitions, in general, I am unable to comment further at this time.
A solution for the school remains a priority for my Department. The school patron will be kept informed of any key developments.
1139. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the current status of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow; if the school will remain on its existing site or if a new site has been identified for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41330/22]
View answerThe major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.
The Design Team is currently working on finalising the Stage 2(b) report which upon completion will be submitted to the Department for review and approval.
In order to expedite the project, the Design Team has been authorised to carry out the prequalification of contractors in parallel with the completion of their Stage 2(b) submission.
The new school building is to be developed at the site of the current Senior school.
Upon receipt and review of the Stage 2(b) report, and completion of the pre-qualification process, my Department will be in contact with the school and its Design Team regarding the timeframe for further progression of the project.
1140. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the status of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Kilcoole, County Wicklow; when the works will be completed; the number of students that the school will cater for upon completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41331/22]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).
The brief for this project is to provide an extension to the existing school building to accommodate a long term projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils. The project will also provide a 4-classroom Special Education Needs base for the school.
I am pleased to inform you that the project was recently approved by the Department to proceed to Stage 2b of the architectural planning process; the next step for the Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide details or a timeline for completion of the project, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
1141. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the status of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow; the estimated timeframe from start to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41332/22]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the site acquisition process for the school in question has been finalised and the permanent site for the school on Newtown Road, Moneycarroll, Newtownmountkennedy, is now in my Department’s ownership.
The permanent accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's school building programme. The project when complete, will provide a new 8 classroom primary school including 2 classrooms for children with special educational needs and all ancillary accommodation.
My Department will shortly be commencing the process for the appointment of the Project Manager and the design team for the project. Once the Project Manager and the design team is appointed they will commence the process to take the project forward through the stages of architectural planning to tender and construction stages.
As with all school building projects, pre-planning meetings are required with the Local Authority in advance of preparing a Planning Application to ensure the highest probability of a successful planning application in the shortest time possible.
It is not possible at this time, ahead of the appointment of the design team and subsequent pre-planning consultations with the local authority to indicate when the planning application for the project will be submitted.
The school is currently located in interim accommodation on the grounds of Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre. My Department will continue to address the interim accommodation requirements for the school and will continue to keep the patron body updated as the project progresses.
1142. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the current status of a site acquisition for a new school building for a school (details supplied) in Greystones, County Wicklow; the stage that matters are currently at regarding the purchase of the site; the estimated timeframe from start to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41333/22]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the acquisition of a site at Glenheron, Greystones, Co. Wicklow is now complete.
The acquisition of this site includes full planning permission for a 1,000 pupil post primary school building for the school referred to by the Deputy.
The project to deliver the permanent school facilities on this site is now moving to detailed design & tender. The construction of this school is due to commence in 2023.
1143. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the status of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Blessington, County Wicklow; the estimated timeframe from start to completion; the number of students upon completion that the school will cater for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41334/22]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Kildare & Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
The brief for this project is to provide an extension to the existing school building to accommodate a long term projected enrolment of 650 pupils. The project will also provide a 2-classroom Special Education Needs base for the school.
The Design Team is currently preparing the Stage 2a report (developed design) for submission and the Department understands from KWETB that the report is nearing completion.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, KWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
1144. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the status of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Carnew, County Wicklow; the estimated timeframe from start to completion; the number of students that the school will cater for upon completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41335/22]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).
The brief for this project is to provide a new build school to accommodate a long term projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils. The project will also provide a 4-classroom Special Education Needs base for the school.
I am pleased to inform you that the project was recently approved by the Department to proceed to Stage 2a of the architectural planning process.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide details or a timeline for completion of the project, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
1145. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education if there are any plans to add an extension to an existing school (details supplied) in Ashford, County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41336/22]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding was approved under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to enable the school in question to build a 3x Mainstream classroom (Prefab replacement) & 2 Classroom SEN base.
The project has been devolved for delivery to the School Authority. The next step will be for the school to procure a consultant. This consultant will lead the project through the various stages of architectural planning and onwards through the statutory planning process, tender and construction stages.
