Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, the school, referred to, has an application with my Department for capital funding for a replacement school building.

Whilst the school, in question, has experienced some growth in pupil numbers in recent years, the school is aware that it is not located in an area which has been identified as an area of significant population growth. In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects, will be prioritised in the coming years to meet significant demographic growth. As it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of this school project at this time, an alternative option to address the schools immediate accommodation needs has been examined and is now being progressed.

In that regard, my Department has approved, under the Prefab Replacement Initiative 2012, funding for the provision of additional permanent school accommodation comprising four mainstream classrooms, two Special Education teaching rooms and appropriate ancillary accommodation. I understand that the school have been advised to tender for and appoint a Design Team to master-plan the school project so that the Phase I element can be delivered up-front and the balance can be delivered at a later date. Once the successful Design Team has been appointed, a stage 1 submission with costings, including for any enabling works required, should be prepared and forwarded to the Department for consideration.