Sorca Clarke
Question:280. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the school building programme in County Roscommon. [6217/24]
View answerTuesday, 13 February 2024
Questions (280)
Written answers
Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently under way at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 34 new school buildings.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places, of which 3 projects, which are at advanced stage of construction and delivery, are in County Roscommon.
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.
Since 2020, in Roscommon alone, we have invested over €40m in our schools and completed 16 school building projects. We also have construction under way at 5 other projects under the Additional Accommodation Scheme.
The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector are as follows:
• demographic growth, particularly at post primary level
• increased demand for special educational needs provision
• alignment of school place provision with new housing development
• 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 Roscommon, 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.