The school referred to by the Deputy applied for capital funding for an extension. Following an assessment of the application, it was agreed to initiate architectural planning for the extension based on a projected long term pupil enrolment of 350 pupils. There has been considerable decline in enrolments at the school in recent years and, having regard to the need for prudent investment of capital resources, a decision was taken not to progress the building project to the next stage of architectural planning, pending a review of the long-term viability of the school.
The views of the school authorities on the decline in enrolments and the future viability of the school have been received recently and my officials will be engaging with the school authorities in regard to determining the way forward for the school.