The Deputy will be aware that the Five Year Construction Plan, that I announced on 9 March 2012, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. The primary aim at the core of the Plan is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that due to additional funding made available for the schools building programme as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs" package announced last week, school projects that were not contained in the 5 year programme but have completed extensive architectural planning are now being progressed to tender and construction.
In relation to the areas in Co Wicklow, referred to by the Deputy, the following school projects are being progressed as follows; Wicklow Town: A new 16-classroom primary school is earmarked to proceed to construction under the Plan in 2014/2015. Rathnew: Two 16-classroom primary schools will be in place following completion of building projects for St. Joseph's/St. Ernan's primary schools and Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin. It is envisaged under the Plan that the projects concerned will proceed to construction in 2015/2016. My Department is currently assessing an application for an additional classroom for Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin for this September and a decision on the application will be conveyed to the school management when this process has been completed.
The demographic position is considered stable in the other areas, referred to by the Deputy, and accordingly no major building projects are planned for these areas.
Details of all works funded under my Department's Additional Accommodation, Prefab Replacement and Emergency Works Schemes, including works in schools in Co. Wicklow, are available on my Department Website and this is updated on a regular basis.
