Cathal Crowe
Question:177. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education for updates on emergency works and ASA applications submitted by a school (details supplied). [18499/24]
View answerThursday, 25 April 2024
Questions (177)
Written answers
The school to which the Deputy refers submitted two applications for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS). The first application is for roof works, the EWS team has requested that the school conduct a leak detection test on the roof, in order to provide a clear overview of the issues with the roof that require remediation.
The second application is for mechanical and electrical works. The EWS team has requested a periodic inspection report (PIR) in light of the proposed electrical works. EWS has advised the school that the mechanical works element which refers to replacement of heating and toilet facilities will need to be scaled back to minimum repair works only as per Circular 0068/2020. The EWS team is currently awaiting the submission of the requested documentation.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application, under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school to which the Deputy refers. The purpose of the Additional Schools' Accommodation 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 or at other schools in the area.
Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings. The 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn. 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 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.
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department and 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 School Planning Area for future years.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the school's application for additional school accommodation is currently being assessed and a decision will be communicated to the school authorities on completion.