Schools Building Projects Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2014

Thursday, 16 October 2014

Ceisteanna (202)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

202. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 502 of 7 October 2014, if she will meet with a delegation from a school (details supplied) in County Clare in relation to funding a general practitioner room-physical education facility in conjunction with a current project under construction; if she will revert with a date as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39672/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy will appreciate, in relation to the school's request for a PE hall, due to the competing demands on my Department's capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of essential additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it is not possible to provide for a PE Hall at this time. As previously advised, my Department will retain the school's application on file in the context of any future funding becoming available. In that context, I do not consider that convening a meeting as proposed would be beneficial at this time. The Deputy will be aware however, that my Department sanctioned a devolved grant to the school in question in March, 2012 that will provide 8 permanent mainstream classrooms and substantial ancillary accommodation, which when completed will significantly enhance the school's facilities.