Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2012
188 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the need for an extension to replace prefabs at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if this school is classified as having a catchment in a developing area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30351/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my priority is to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet projected pupil increases in the future. The 5 Year Plan that I announced in March last as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. These have been prioritised on the basis of meeting significant demographic needs.
To cater for the demographic demand at primary level in the area referred to by the Deputy, a new primary school will be established in 2013. This is in addition to a number of extension projects at schools in the area which were included in the March announcement to meet projected demographic demand.
While the proposed project at the school will not provide for new demographic need, it will replace the school's existing temporary accommodation. The next step to progress the project involves the appointment of a design team and the commencement of architectural planning.
School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available.
