Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2017
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate primary school places exist or are required at Sallins, County Kildare; the proposed programme to address issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which primary and second level school place requirements are being met in Kilcock, County Kildare; the extent to which further provision is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52300/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which primary and second level school place requirements are being met in Clane, County Kildare; the extent to which further provision is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52301/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which primary and second level school place requirements are being met in Maynooth, County Kildare; the extent to which further provision is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52302/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which his Department continues to assess primary and second level school place requirements in Celbridge, County Kildare; if adequate provision is being made for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52304/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 131 to 133, inclusive, and 135 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's Capital Programme continues to address the challenge posed by a rapidly increasing school population. To meet this demographic challenge, my Department’s Capital Investment Programme (2016-2021) details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process towards tender and construction, including projects for County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.
There is currently a review underway of the need for school places across our 314 school planning areas, which is expected to identify new needs due to the higher than expected population recorded census.
The Action Plan for Education sets out the Government's ambitions for the Education system, including the commitment contained in the Programme for Government, towards the prioritisation of school educational infrastructure.
Following the Capital Review, additional capital funding of €332m will be available to the schools sector primarily from 2019 onwards, boosting investment in our primary and post-primary schools infrastructure. This significant investment reflects the priority which government has put on education on delivering on our ambition to deliver a fair society and a strong economy.
