Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2024
67. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the Capital Appraisal in her Department for a school (details supplied); and if she will confirm if there is a viable solution to our immediate accommodation needs; what this consists of and when school patrons will progress on this new facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15638/24]
View answerI wish to confirm to confirm the school referred to by the Deputy was established as a four-classroom school, under the terms of the divestment process.
My Department has agreed that the permanent accommodation solution will provide for eight classrooms and Departmental officials are working to put this solution in place as soon as possible. However, in the interim, and in line with agreed terms, the school has been instructed to take cognisance of their existing accommodation capacity when managing its enrolments.
My Department is currently engaging in a site identification process regarding the schools permanent solution. The site identification and indeed acquisition is a process that may entail a significant period of time. However, I can assure the Deputy that this is a priority for the Department of Education.
The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level, and for provision to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. The immediate priority of the Department is providing the required new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place, including the thousands of children who are newly arrived to this country. My Department has successfully supported and facilitated the enrolment of over 18,291 children from Ukraine in our primary and post primary schools.
In the interim, the school was approved to proceed with rental of accommodation at a premises at Newport Road which provided 2 additional Mainstream Classrooms, in July 2022. In addition, my Department has recently approved funding for a Special Education Tuition Room plus a toilet and a staff room.
