Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
538. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the number of primary and post-primary schools, by name and locality in an area (details supplied), that have been approved for delivery and construction; the stage of the planning process each is currently at, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57202/23]
View answerSince 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 690 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects. School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have over 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.
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; and
climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.
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.
The current status of all projects, including those in Dublin, are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie/en/service/c5b56b-major-projects/ and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
