School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2012

Thursday, 24 May 2012

Ceisteanna (94)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

93 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he can engage with the authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with a view to upgrading of accommodation and facilities in line with services generally available in mainstream education having particular regard to the broad scale of requirements at the school arising from the children’s needs; if he will meet the school authorities to work out a strategy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26122/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

As outlined in the Five Year Plan, the delivery of major school projects required to meet demographic demand will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. Due to the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding to meet future demographic demands, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. The Deputy will appreciate that the primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan, is to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place.

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, including a project for the school in question will be progressed.