Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2018

Thursday, 29 March 2018

Ceisteanna (172)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the primary and second level school building requirements are being met in Prosperous, County Kildare, with particular reference to the ongoing building programme; the extra requirements at both levels pending; the schedule for provision of such extra facilities as already agreed or in the course of preparation in conjunction with local management, the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board or other bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14670/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

The Deputy will be aware that a building project for a post-primary school in Prosperous is included in my Department's 6 Year Construction Programme.  In the context of progressing the building project, my Department has undertaken a site visit to the school. The schedule of accommodation is currently being devised for the project.  The building project will be devolved to Kildare Wicklow Education Training Board (KWETB) for delivery and it is my Department's intention to engage with KWETB shortly in this regard.