Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

223. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for capital works in respect of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15200/14]

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

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for capital funding for the provision of a sports hall and other ancillary accommodation. The Deputy will be aware that the over-riding objective of Education capital expenditure is to meet the demographic challenge facing the education system, whereby total pupil enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by around 107,000 additional pupils between 2012 and 2019 - over 70,000 at primary level and over 35,000 at post primary - and will continue to rise at post primary level to the year 2026, at least. The 5 Year Construction Plan prioritises major school projects in areas where future significant demographic changes have been identified.

My Department's overriding objective is to prioritise available funding to meet this demographic demand and to provide essential classroom accommodation where additional teachers are approved. The application referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority shortly.