Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
126. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay with the promised SEN provision for a school in Donegal (details supplied), which includes an extension to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6390/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has approved a building project under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme for the school to which the Deputy refers. This project involves the provision of a 3 classroom Special Education Needs (SEN) base, 2 Special Education Teaching rooms and 3 general classrooms. This school was also approved for the reconfiguration of a SEN room which is at practical completion.
The project has been devolved for delivery to Donegal Education and Training Board who appointed a design team. In June 2023, my Department approved the project to proceed to tender and a Tender Report was submitted by Donegal ETB to my Department in Q4, 2023. This is currently under review by my Department’s Professional and Technical Team and an update will be provided directly to Donegal ETB once this review is completed.
My Department will continue to work closely with Donegal ETB on this project. Donegal ETB will engage with the school community to keep it updated on all significant developments.
Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 750 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 34 new school buildings. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
There are also 90 projects currently at the tender process including a further 28 new school buildings. All of these new school buildings are flagship projects in their area and transform the education infrastructure for those school communities.
This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
Key priorities for my Department are supporting the operation of the school system and adding necessary capacity to cater for special education needs provision, mainstream demographics and catering for students from Ukraine and other countries under the International Protection system.
