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 in Co 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.
As the Deputy is aware, a building project for the school to which he refers is included in the 6 Year Construction Programme.
A site visit to the school has been undertaken by my Department which involved an assessment of the school building. The outcome of the visit is currently being considered and this will assist in determining how the accommodation needs of the school will be addressed. This includes the formulation of the accommodation brief i.e. defining the extent of extension/refurbishment to be provided. My Department has been liaising with the school’s Patron in this regard. When the brief formulation process has been completed, my Department will be in further contact with the Patron in relation to the next steps to be taken to initiate the architectural planning process for the project.
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.
