Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Maynooth, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22668/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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 the building project at Maynooth Post Primary school is continuing to progress to schedule. My Department and the local ETB, to whom the project has been devolved for delivery, are closely monitoring the project in the context of the main contractor recently entering examinership. It is hoped that the contractor will continue to maintain the economic and financial standing to deliver the project as planned.
The Deputy will also be aware that building projects for two primary schools in Maynooth are included on the 6 Year Construction Programme. In the case of Maynooth Educate Together National School, the project is at advanced architectural planning stage. The project is currently at tender stage, with construction anticipated to commence in Quarter 3, 2018.
The project for Maynooth Boys' National School is currently at Stage 2B of the architectural planning process - Detailed Design Stage, which includes applications for all statutory consents, including Planning Permission, Disability Access Certificate and Fire Safety Certificate. Planning Permission for this project has been granted.
The Stage 2B report has been reviewed by my Department with some minor issues to be addressed by the Design Team. My Department has written to the school with regard to a timeframe for progression of the project to the next stage. I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.
I also wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools, including a primary school in Maynooth, over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.
