Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 696: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the likely cost to the Exchequer of building a new primary school for every 500 new homes built; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22162/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The assumption has not been made by my Department that a new primary school will be required for every 500 new homes built. The profile of new homes, the rate and pace of their delivery, the projected occupancy rate which varies from area to area, the likely pupil output, together with the availability of existing accommodation are all factors which must be taken into consideration before it can be decided if a new school is necessary.

My Department will at all times seek to maximise existing accommodation which means that any extra accommodation needed may be met by way of extensions or the rationalisation of existing provision to free up buildings, rather than by the provision of a new school. With regard to individual new schools, the cost is dependent on site costs which vary, the ultimate level of land take and the size of a school itself.

The school planning section of my Department is working proactively with some local authorities to explore the possibility of the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities. This enhanced co-operation has the effect of minimising my Department's land requirements, thereby reducing site costs while at the same time avoiding the duplication of facilities such as sports halls and playing pitches. Given the variables involved and the unique situation which might pertain to any given area, a cost exercise along the lines set out by the Deputy has not been carried out.