Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the school building programme at primary and second level in County Kildare continues to proceed as planned having particular regard to the urgent requirement of school places. [35491/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that it is my Department's intention to fully implement the 6 Year Capital Plan (2016-2021).

As the Deputy is aware, the 6 Year Capital Plan (2016-2021), announced last November, as part of the Government's €2.8 billion schools capital investment programme, details the major school building projects that are scheduled to proceed to tender/construction over the lifetime of the Plan. It is my Department's intention to progress these projects, including those listed for County Kildare, though the various stages of the architectural planning and construction process as outlined in the Plan.

The programme aims to prioritise new building projects and major extensions, including special schools, in areas where significant demographic need has been established. The Deputy will also be aware that the Capital Programme also progresses school projects that were announced under my Department's 5 Year Plan (2012-2016). In addition, the Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for schools, where an immediate enrolment need has been identified, such as the appointment of an additional teacher.

I set out for the Deputy's information details of the school projects in County Kildare that are listed on my Department's 6-Year school building programme.

6-Year Capital Programme 2016-2021

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the use of precast building methods can be incorporated into the school building programme thereby facilitating rapid construction without reduction in specification including heat conservation capacity and life expectancy of the buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35492/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Precast concrete building methods are already being used on school building projects, primarily the Departments “RAPID” Design & Build programme, and have been for a number of years. A precast concrete structure offers programme advantages in that the structural frame is quickly erected following which the roof can be constructed and remaining trades can then proceed under cover, protected from weather. However, a precast concrete frame can be more expensive than the concrete blockwork construction traditionally used on school buildings.

Economies in using precast concrete can be achieved in building types where there is a lot of repetition of identical wall panels. This is not always possible with school buildings due to site constraints. Contractors tendering for school building projects may propose to use precast concrete in lieu of blockwork on a cost neutral basis. A precast concrete solution can only be shown to be economical when it is in competition with other structural solutions (e.g. loadbearing blockwork, structural steel frame, etc.).

The Department considers that the balance between precast concrete building methods and other alternative systems for building schools is reasonable at present and will continue to monitor the marketplace for any changes that might be required in order to maintain equilibrium between quick delivery and value for money.