Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the school building projects, including extensions and new builds, undertaken in Cork by her Department in each of the past four years; the total amount of money spent on each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2064/15]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the school building projects, including extensions and new builds, planned to be undertaken in County Cork over the next three years; the total amount of money allocated to each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2065/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.

The current status of all projects, including those in Cork, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.

The Deputy will be aware that the 5 year School Plan announced in March 2012, together with the schools announced in June 2013 under the Government's "investment in Infrastructure & Jobs" package and the schools included in the 2015 construction programme, details the major school projects, including those for Cork, that will commence construction over the duration of my Department's €2 billion capital investment programme (2012-2016). The primary aim at the core of my Department's construction programme is focussed on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. In the case of Cork, 43 school projects are listed to proceed to tender and construction over the duration of the programme.

For the Deputy's convenience a list is attached containing details of all Cork major school building projects that have been completed in each of the past four years and the funding allocated in the case of each of these projects.As the Deputy will be aware, all publicly funded projects are subject to public procurement guidelines and a competitive tender process. In that context it is not possible to publish funding allocations until projects are completed.

In addition to these major projects, my Department also approves funding on an on-going basis for devolved projects under the Additional Accommodation Scheme in response to applications from schools for funding to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments and where an additional teacher is being appointed. In addition, the Deputy will be aware of the funding provided under the Prefab Replacement Initiative to replace prefabs with permanent classroom and resource rooms accommodation. Details of schools approved, including those in Cork, can also be found on my Department's website and are updated regularly.

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

NEW SCHOOLS COMPLETED