Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
280. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding an ASA application lodged by school (details supplied); if consideration is being given by her Department to the request by school that the proposed extension be included as part of its Adapt 18 programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55973/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is very recently in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
The ASA application from the school to which the Deputy refers is currently being assessed and when this is completed the school authority will be notified of the decision. This assessment will take account of the nature and timing of any accommodation need at the school.
There is also a major project on site for this school for an extension/refurbishment to existing accommodation to provide for 540 pupils. This project is expected to be completed in quarter 4 next year.
