Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Rathcoffey, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22677/18]
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 of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools 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.
As the Deputy will also be aware, my Department approved a building project at Rathcoffey National School for the provision of two mainstream classrooms. The project has been devolved to the Board of Management for delivery and I understand that the project is currently at planning permission stage. I also 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.
