Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

51 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the contingency plans in his Department to cater for any shifts in population resulting from Government regionalisation and decentralisation and extra house building plans. [7790/99]

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

54 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures, if any, he will take to provide extra schooling in north County Dublin in view of the Government announcement of the provision of 16,000 housing sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7789/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 54 together.

As part of its remit, the planning section of my Department, on a regular basis, examines areas where significant housing developments may lead to a requirement for new school provision or the expansion of existing schools. This exercise is carried out irrespective of whether the developments are driven by Government policies on regionalis ation or decentralisation or by the demands of the housing market.

Such examinations involve liaising with school management bodies regarding the extent of existing school provision and projected future requirements and with local authorities concerning the extent and time-scale of new housing to be provided in particular areas and other developments which might have implications for the provision of educational facilities.

Extensive housing developments proposed or under way in many of our towns and cities, including areas in north County Dublin, may require the provision of additional school accommodation. It is my objective to ensure that adequate provision is made for this emerging demand in a rational and planned manner.

I have very significantly increased the amount of capital funding available in 1999 to take account of the additional demand for school places. I should also mention that my recent initiative to improve the level of grant-aid payable in respect of building projects will reduce significantly the local contribution payable by the school operators.