Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)

In terms of building capacity, where has the idea of extensions to schools and community centres to create 2,300 places come from? I think of a school in Ballinasloe that has waited almost 30 years for a new build. Schools cannot build and develop what they need to and we are talking about extensions. We need childcare places tomorrow. Extensions to schools, if there is permission from schools in the first instance, involve planning permission and building work. How long will it take to create 2,300 places?

I welcome the acquisition of State-led facilities from next year. How many will there be? How much further detail can the Minister provide in that regard? It will be hard to determine which areas will be chosen. Many areas will want such facilities. I ask the Minister to consider expanding the building blocks scheme to allow community groups, whether existing or new, to buy derelict vacant buildings in prime locations in towns like Boyle, County Roscommon. A detailed needs analysis has been carried out in the town and people have done their homework in terms of need. There is a high level of need in the area. Would the Minister consider such a proposal?

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