Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2018
87. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grant schemes available from his Department or other Government bodies to a primary school in order to build a school hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40644/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides a number of mechanisms through which improvements are carried out in schools. Through the 6 year Capital Programme, the investment plan is about looking to the future and ensuring that our school infrastructure is well prepared to accommodate our growing school population. The programme also addresses the requirements of many schools which are in need of upgrading and refurbishment, although they may not be experiencing significant demographic pressure.
The recent launch of Project Ireland 2040 included an announcement of a major package of investment in education for the next decade with the school building budget increasing by 70%. This major investment will underpin the implementation of the Action Plan for Education which is the government’s plan to make the Irish education and training service the best in Europe by 2026. 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.
In addition, in terms of other Government bodies, it is open to any school to explore any funding options that may be available under the Sports Capital Programme administered by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
