Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Theachta. The Government absolutely values the Irish language. We have had a record level of investment in school buildings this year again. This will increase the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact will be felt in communities right across the country, including in the Deputy's constituency.

The key drivers of capital investment in the school sector are going to include demographic growth, particularly at post-primary level. Demographic growth absolutely covers the Oscar Traynor Woods site the Deputy has spoken about and all the new homes and families we will be welcoming there. Increased demand for special education needs provision will also be one of the key drivers.

So, too, will the alignment of school place provision with new housing developments, such as Oscar Traynor, and climate action objectives, including deep energy retrofit. The programme for Government recognises the importance of strong capital investment in the school building programme and supporting this with enhanced allocations through the national development plan process. The Department is committed to continuing to update An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to the factors influencing capital investment for the new school, Gaelscoil Cholmcille.

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