Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
414. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on progress under the additional accommodation scheme for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11938/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question received approval under the Additional School Accommodation for the provision of 4 x Mainstream classrooms 1x Construction studies/ Woodwork room with Prep area. This project was devolved to the school authority and is currently at Stage 2b with the delivery section.
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department has recently received an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school.
The purpose of the Additional Schools Accommodation (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.
The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics.
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.
The application is currently being assessed by my officials and a decision will issue to the school authorities directly upon completion of the assessment process.
