Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
318. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education what contact her Department has had with a school (details supplied) regarding increasing numbers; the additional classrooms to accommodate these numbers; her Department’s plans to make this space available; the options for same; whether a timeframe has been established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32650/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of my Department’s ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
I can confirm that my officials have been in touch with the school authorities directly in relation to their application and the possible challenges of delivering additional accommodation at the site in question. My Department's Professional and Technical section are considering the scope of accommodation required here and any possible technical challenges for delivery. My officials will be in touch with the school directly when this review has concluded.
