Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2013
273. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be made available for the development of the Gaelscoil in Clonmel, County Tipperary, now that planning permission has been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18585/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that in 2011 my Department purchased a site, subject to the granting of planning permission, to construct a new school building for the school referred to by the Deputy. My officials consulted with the planning authority and planning permission has been recently granted for a 16 classroom school.
As the Deputy will be aware, in view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme is focused on meeting those demographic needs. The area in which the school, in question, is located has not been identified as an area of significant demographic growth. In that context, it has not been possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently.
All school building projects, including the project for the school in question, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to give an indicative timeframe for the construction of a new school building for the school.
