Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 28: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills following the recent publication of the five year school building plan, the implications for schools which want to apply for a new school building; if they will have to wait another five years before they can apply and be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19412/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to advise the Deputy that in view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet significant demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year school building programme is focused on meeting those demographic needs. This announcement represents major advances in how the school building programme is publicised, and will provide certainty to patrons and school communities concerning the major school building projects that my Department is in a position to progress.

School building projects currently in architectural planning, including those projects not included in the five year programme, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. These projects will, in general, complete the design stages of architectural planning and secure planning permission and other necessary statutory approvals. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to indicate when those projects will be progressed to tender and construction stage.

Any applications for new school buildings can only be considered in the context of the challenges that I have outlined above.