Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2017
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress in respect of the school building programme at primary and secondary level throughout the country with particular reference to the need to meet demographic pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52316/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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. 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.
