Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
134. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) has had its proposed new build extension downsized; if other similar projects are being downsized as a result of the recent announcement of 42 new schools; and if so, the details of same. [18650/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the school in question submitted a master plan containing details of how it envisaged the school developing in the future. The master plan would require significant capital funding to undertake a major extension and refurbishment of the existing school building. The school indicated that the proposed project would cater for future demographic growth in the area as well as providing additional specialist accommodation.
My Department liaised with the school in the context of the priority elements of the proposal. The school subsequently identified science labs as a priority element and submitted an application for capital grant. Following a visit to the school by my Department's inspectorate, a devolved grant for two science labs was approved to the school for delivery.
At the time, my Department advised the school that we were in the process of carrying out a nationwide demographic review of all school planning areas, including the area in which the school is located to determine where future need for primary and post-primary school places across the county is required.
Arising from this review, the Deputy will be aware that my Department announced recently plans to establish 42 new schools over the next 4 years. The area where this school is located was one of the areas identified to establish a new post primary school in 2019. This new school will provide additional school capacity to meet demographic need in the area.
Following this announcement, my Department was in further contact with the school relating to the building project that has been approved. The school indicated that they will revert to the Department with additional information and this is awaited.
The Deputy will be aware that under the National Development Plan (NDP), increased funding has been provided for the school sector capital investment programme. This funding allows for a continued focus on the provision of new permanent school places to keep pace with demographic demand and also provides for an additional focus on the refurbishment of existing school buildings to include the building and modernisation of PE facilities in primary and post-primary schools.
