Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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291. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the school building or refurbishment works primary and post-primary that are to be initiated or progressed in Dublin 1, Dublin 3 and Dublin 7 in 2014; and in each case, if he will indicate the stage or phase to which the works in question are intended to have arrived at by year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12939/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that details of all school capital works that have been funded by my Department may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is updated on a regular basis. The 5 year School Construction Plan announced in March 2012, provides for a €2 billion school capital investment programme to 2016, of which €1.5 billion is being allocated to fund major school projects with the balance needed for the additional accommodation scheme, the prefab replacement initiative, the acquisition of sites and other works. The Five Year Plan prioritises major school projects in areas where future significant demographic changes have been identified.

Further to the Five Year Plan, my Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to individual major school projects commencing construction. In this context, annual programmes have been published for 2012 and 2013. Details of the building projects including projects in the areas, referred to by the Deputy, that are projected to commence construction in 2014 were announced on 29th November 2013. The 5 Year Plan and annual programmes, in question, are also detailed on the website. In addition, due to additional funding made available for the schools' building programme as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" package announced earlier this year, 28 school projects that were not contained in the 5 year programme but have completed extensive architectural planning are now being progressed to tender and construction. A project for a replacement school in Dublin 1 is included in this package.

The Deputy will be aware that under the Prefab Replacement initiative 2012, approval was given to 170 schools nationally to replace 458 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million was allocated for this initiative. In June 2013, I announced a further initiative to replace prefab units with permanent accommodation. A total of €15 million has been allocated in 2013/2014 for this purpose. Forty six schools with 115 prefab units have been offered grants to provide the new facilities. For the Deputy's convenience, a list of the major new school and extension projects being undertaken in Dublin 1, 3 and 7 is outlined. The Deputy will also be aware of my announcement on Thursday, 20th March last, of almost €36 million for school improvements under the first round of the Summer Works Scheme for 2014. Details of the approved schools may also be viewed on the website.