Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
342. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education the current status of a 2021 agreement between her Department and the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education Training Board in relation to a permanent extension to a school (details supplied); the expected realistic timeframe for commencement of procurement for the promised phase two permanent extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55190/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department and Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education Training Board (DDLETB) agreed in early 2021 to increase the capacity of the school in question to 1,500 places. There was no timeframe determined for this increase but it was expected that there would be a gradual increase in enrolments over a number of years.
In order to facilitate an initial increase in enrolments, modular accommodation was provided at the school in 2022. As a result of continued engagement between my Department and DDLETB it has been agreed to provide further modular accommodation at the school for the 2024/25 school year and a subsequent traditional construction project to deliver the remaining accommodation.
In relation to the timeframe for commencement of procurement for the phase two permanent extension, the department is not in a position to guarantee a definitive timeline. As the Deputy will appreciate the progress of the project depends on a multitude of factors such as any identified technical challenges, statutory consents, procurement etc., many of which are outside of the department's control.
My Department continues to work closely with DDLETB to advance both of these projects as quickly as possible.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. There are also 200 modular accommodation projects that are very well advanced for delivery or at construction stage. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
I can assure the Deputy that my department is very cognisant of the urgency around the delivery of accommodation for the new school year and is working to advance matters as quickly as possible. The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider school planning area for future years.
