Jim O'Callaghan
Question:264. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the status of a building development project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6067/24]
View answerTuesday, 13 February 2024
Questions (264)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for additional school accommodation (ASA) from the school authority in question. The school’s application for capital funding was assessed and the Department made a decision to broaden the scope of the project taking in to consideration the future needs of the school and the school planning area more generally. The school agreed a proposed brief of:
- 9 general classrooms- 2 special education rooms- a music room- a textiles room- a science laboratory and preparation area- a technology room- 3 special needs classrooms and associated ancillary space- a user assisted WC and a staff room. Given the restricted nature of the school site and the scale of the proposed development the agreed brief was subsequently referred to the Department’s Professional and Technical team to establish whether the accommodation could be delivered. The Professional and Technical team established that the proposed development is viable. The brief is now awaiting project typing and costing before being devolved directly to the school authority for delivery. Prior to this project the Department’s Planning and Building Unit received an application in 2022 from the school in question seeking funding for 2 special needs classrooms, a sensory room, multi-purpose room, office and toilets. This is in addition to funding which was approved under the Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) Scheme in 2021 for the reconfiguration of space within the existing school building for special needs accommodation. This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery and completed in 2023.
The consideration of the accommodation requirements for the school in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.
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 area for 2024/25 and future years.