Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise the Deputy that in the case of proposed amalgamations, including those of rural schools, my Department is prepared to consider the provision of additional accommodation or other works, subject to available funding.

Requests for accommodation in the context of amalgamation proposals associated with an amalgamation may range from demands for new school builds or an extension or refurbishment of one of the existing school buildings earmarked for the amalgamated school. Alternatively, an amalgamation proposal may involve the amalgamated school operating on a split-site arrangement from the existing school buildings.

As the Deputy will appreciate, a demand for capital funding contained in amalgamation proposals can be considered only on the merits of each individual case. In that regard, the focus of my Department is towards the provision of the essential accommodation that will facilitate the progression of the amalgamation proposal. As the Deputy is also aware, any proposal to amalgamate schools must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and be planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of pupils, parents, teachers and local communities.

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