Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
235. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update and a timeframe for an extension to a school (details supplied) existing of an additional modular classroom which was approved in March 2023; the reason for the delay in responding to the school regarding the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50733/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question.
The purpose of the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is working to ensure that there is appropriate school accommodation in place to meet the school place needs of all children. In the first instance, this is focused on ensuring that the use of existing school accommodation capacity is fully optimised. Where additional capacity is required this can be provided by means of modular accommodation where accelerated delivery is required, or by means of traditional construction projects.
I can confirm that officials in my Department have been liaising with the school in question in relation to its application and its accommodation requirements. The Department is additionally cognisant of the long-term needs of the school, and across the local area.
