Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise this important subject matter this morning. In November 2021, the then Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley, gave the initial project approval for the provision of additional permanent accommodation at Breifne College in Cavan town. This major building project, which will enhance considerably the level of permanent accommodation at the school, is much needed due to increased enrolments at Breifne College in recent years. The level of enrolment continues to grow.

I compliment Cavan-Monaghan Education and Training Board and Breifne College on submitting this successful application. The growth in population in the wider Cavan town area has led to a substantial and consistent increase in enrolments. In November 2021, I warmly welcomed the decision by the Minister, Deputy Foley, to issue the initial project approval, as I had supported Breifne College and Cavan-Monaghan ETB in submitting the application. The project is a major one and is to be welcomed. It will be provided under the additional school accommodation scheme. Among the additional accommodation to be provided are a number of general classrooms, special education teaching rooms, special educational needs classrooms, science laboratories, engineering rooms, technology rooms, graphics rooms, an art room, a textiles room and other ancillary accommodation as well. From my detailed knowledge of the school, this accommodation is much needed and as urgently as possible.

In June 2024 Cavan-Monaghan ETB submitted all documentation for stage 2A, which is detailed design stage. This documentation has been under consideration for almost 12 months by the Department's technical and professional team. It is essential that the Department issues, without further delay, approval for stage 2A.

That will enable the ETB to seek planning permission for this major and much-needed building project.

I cannot emphasise how much Breifne College needs this accommodation. Some years ago we had an extension and upgrading of facilities at Breifne and everyone in the school community is appreciative of that investment and accommodation. Unfortunately, the present level of accommodation is inadequate to meet the school's needs. I have been to the college on many occasions and have seen at first hand how crowded it is. A parent of students attending Breifne said to me recently the school was packed - a very good analysis and description of the inadequate accommodation. That comment was made by a young lady with a detailed knowledge of education and school accommodation requirements. We refer to part of the school accommodation as the 1970s building. To meet the needs of today's schoolgoing population, that building needs to be reconfigured. Breifne College staff over the years have worked extremely hard to cater for all pupils, particularly children with additional needs. They have approval for four ASD classes but have only three suitable classrooms. They are anxious to have proper accommodation for those classes.

Over many years, a feature of Breifne College has been the high proportion of students taking what are often referred to as practical subjects. The teaching of these subjects is enhanced by specialist classroom accommodation. Those subjects include construction engineering, computer studies, technology and technical graphics. Those are all important parts of Breifne College's subject choice for students. Will the Minister of State bring a message back to the Department of Education and Youth on the need to have stage 2a approved without further delay? We know planning permission takes some time and the ETB is anxious to submit the planning application to Cavan County Council as soon as possible.

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