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Schools Building Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 September 2021

Thursday, 23 September 2021

Ceisteanna (99)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the school building programme to meet the requirements in full throughout the country; if she envisages the need to make any special provisions in sensitive areas affected by demographic demand or old buildings in need of urgent replacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45601/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has a strong and ambitious rollout of projects under the school building programme to support the operation of the school system particularly in terms of additional capacity requirements.

During the NDP period 2018-2020, there were 526 completed building projects under the Large Scale Capital Programme and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. 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.

There are also currently some 250 school building projects on site many of which will be completed in 2022.

The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics.

Enrolments and the demand for school places are kept under constant review. For that reason, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographic Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity in order to anticipate school place demand and identify capacity requirement priorities which will necessitate action. The assessment is additionally informed by close engagement with school patrons and the local authorities. This strategic planning for school accommodation needs is important in the context of ensuring alignment with the Government’s Housing for All Plan.

While much progress has been made to date, the continued modernisation of school facilities will be a priority for my Department under the forthcoming revised NDP to 2030. This increased focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock will be further to the continued increase of school capacity to keep pace with demographic demand including provision for Special Education Needs.

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