Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 July 2021
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which her Department continues to respond expeditiously to requests for new schools or extensions to existing schools at primary and second-level throughout the country including County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35277/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current NDP, as part of Project Ireland 2040 framework, provides for €8.8bn investment in schools during the period 2018 to 2027. The increased investment under the NDP has positioned the State to focus on adding capacity to cater for increased enrolments and demographic needs.
During the NDP period 2018-2020, there were 526 completed building projects under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). These projects delivered in excess of 48,000 school places, including permanent accommodation for 229 special classes; and additional capacity for 67 classrooms in 14 special schools throughout the country. 17 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare.
The Department has a significant existing pipeline of projects to be delivered over the coming years to meet capacity needs managed under the Large Scale Capital Programme and the Additional School Accommodation scheme. 51 of these projects are in County Kildare. 30 of these projects are on the Large Scale Capital Programme and 21 projects are being delivered under the Additional Accommodation scheme.
The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on the Department's website at www.education.ie and updated regularly.
