Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
70. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the funding being provided for major capital works, minor works and emergency works in Carlow schools in 2023; how many schools have benefitted from upgrades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44929/23]
View answerThrough Project Ireland 2040, we are investing at least €5 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
My Department has a proven track record of delivery. During the period 2018 to 2022, nearly 900 school building projects were completed. This includes 11 building projects across County Carlow and a total investment of over €37 million in schools in that county.
The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector are as follows:
•demographic change, including keeping pace with delivery of SEN and accommodation for Ukrainian pupils particularly at Post Primary level,
•alignment with housing provision and national planning at school planning area level,
•climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.
There are 27 projects ongoing under the Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Schemes in Co Carlow. The current status of all projects and completions from 2010 to date is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
In addition, where accelerated delivery of accommodation is required, the Department utilises its Modular Accommodation Framework to provide critical mainstream school places and places for students with special educational needs. There are currently 9 Modular Accommodation projects underway in Co. Carlow.
To date, in 2023 over €425,000 has been provided in Emergency Works funding to Carlow schools.
Key priorities for my Department are supporting the operation of the school system and adding necessary capacity to cater for special education needs provision, mainstream demographics and catering for students from Ukraine and other countries under the International Protection system.
