Written answers

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Department of Education and Skills

School Accommodation Provision

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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434. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that have been taken to meet the temporary accommodation requirements of a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the 2018-19 school year; the timeframe for the progression of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16284/18]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The project for the school referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to the patron body, Educate Together, for delivery.

A planning application has been submitted for temporary school accommodation which will consist of 12 classrooms with en-suite toilets, staffroom, 4 learning support rooms, Principals office, administration office, to accommodate and consolidate the school on one site for September 2018. 

Officials in my Department have been working towards the acquisition of a permanent site and have engaged with officials in the relevant local authority in that respect.  My Department has reached agreement with the landowner of the preferred site and the acquisition is currently progressing through the conveyancing stage. Preliminary design work in respect of the school building project has commenced and a pre-planning meeting between Department representatives and local authority officials has taken place. All parties are working with a view to the property transferring into the Minister's ownership at the earliest possible date.

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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435. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been issued by his Department, following nationwide demographic exercises, that will determine the locations in which additional school accommodation will be needed in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16301/18]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next 4 years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide, demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future.  Based on the current analysis, this need can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools.  Approximately 40% of extra school places are delivered by extending existing schools.

I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased roll-out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

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