As outlined in the Five Year Plan, the delivery of major school and extension projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. In that regard, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including those projects not included in the five year programme, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. These projects will, in general, complete the design stages of architectural planning and secure planning permission and other necessary statutory approvals. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to indicate when those projects will be progressed. Any applications for new school buildings, including a project for the school in question, can only be considered in the context of the challenges that I have outlined above. In the meantime, it is open to the school authority to apply to my Department for additional accommodation should additional staff appointments arise.
