Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

532. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to increase the number of new schools being built; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37001/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Generally, 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 Department's Five Year Construction Plan is focused on meeting those demographic needs and sets out the school projects that are planned to proceed to construction over the duration of the Plan. My Department will also consider applications from schools for funding for additional classrooms where an immediate enrolment need is arising.

As part of the Five Year School Plan, some 40 new schools are to be established across the country to cater for increasing demographics. Many of these schools have already commenced operation and the remainder will commence operation between now and 2016.

My Department is currently analysing demographic data on a nationwide basis to determine where additional school accommodation might be needed from 2015 onwards and to ensure that this is provided in a timely manner.