Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 April 2017
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his programme for the replacement of prefabricated buildings continues at primary and second level throughout the country; the number of prefabs still to be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17134/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, it is my intention that over the lifetime of my Department's 6-year Capital Programme (2016-2021) to replace all purchased temporary accommodation with permanent accommodation, where the need is established. To enable this development, my Department will be carrying out an assessment of the number of prefabs being used in schools to delivered the curriculum. This will also determine whether or not individual prefabs need to be replaced in the context of the long-term accommodation needs of each individual school. When completed, this assessment will quantify the number of prefabs to be replaced.
It is intended that this assessment when finalised will enable the replacement of such prefabs to commence in 2019. A funding provision of €180 million is being made available from 2019 for this initiative in the programme.
As the Deputy will also be aware, it can be necessary to make use of temporary rented accommodation in order to meet the accommodation needs of schools, when an immediate or short-term need arises. For example, a school may require a temporary building in circumstances where a major school construction project is planned. Such temporary accommodation is removed when the major project concerned is completed.
