Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Deputy's personal engagement on this topic. I acknowledge the public representatives in the area, who have been really active in this space. As the Deputy is aware, following the technical assessment, it is evident there are complexities with the existing school properties. There is a particular challenge to identifying a solution to the school's accommodation needs that will support the effective operation of the school and present a sustainable solution in the long term.

The main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the past decade and for the coming period is on the provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs. The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects our fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.

The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing infrastructure will be kept under review. For the Deputy's information, the Department has sought a meeting with the school patron to discuss the way forward and a future for this school. The request for this meeting has been lodged with the school patron.

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