Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:209. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education for an individual update on all school capital projects in Kildare south; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9896/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 29 February 2024
Ceisteanna (209)
Freagraí scríofa
Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 33 new school buildings.
These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
There are also approx. 90 projects currently at the tender stage including a further 28 new school buildings. All 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.
Since 2020, in Kildare alone, we have invested over €250m in our schools, of which circa. €105m was in Kildare South constituency, and have completed 31 school building projects of which 10 are in Kildare South.
Construction is underway at 14 other projects in County Kildare. 7 under the Large Scale Capital Programme, of which 6 are in Kildare South, 4 under the Additional Accommodation Scheme, of which 1 is in Kildare South. Additionally, there are 3 projects under the Modular Programme, of which 1 is in Kildare South.
The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector are as follows:
• demographic growth, particularly at post primary level
• increased demand for special educational needs provision
• alignment of school place provision with new housing development
• climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit
The current status of all projects, including those in Kildare South, is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect the progress of projects through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.